"Give us this day our daily bread..."

[Padraig18]

Amidst all the 'major issues' that occupy our attention, one that is often overlooked is hunger.

I live in a very small town (2900) in rural central Illinois, and our town is 'fairly prosperous', by most conventional measures; nonetheless, there are hungry people here. The local Ministerial Alliance operates the Daily Bread Cafe in our parish hall (we have a commercial kitchen that meets health dep't codes) six days a week. It serves breakfast to school-age children (eggs, cereal, milk, juice, a muffin and fruit), a hot noon meal and a cold 'sack supper' (2 PBJ sandwiches, a single-serve pudding, an apple, chips and a box-juice) and an afternoon 'snack stop' (the "Homework Hangout") for school-age children. We are sustained by donations from local churches, a grant from the Mennonite Relief Association and a quarterly gift from the Bishop of Springfield's "Peter's Purse". We also operate a clothing bank, provide diapers, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, mouthwash, etc. on as 'as needed' basis, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society provides vouchers for rent, utilities, physicians, dentists and pharmacies. All in all, it's a successful, well thought-out and integrated program.

Despite the alleged 'economic recovery' Mr. Bush wants us to believe in, the Cafe and Homework hangout have seen the number of meals/snacks served INCREASE by over 1300/mo., from 9900/mo. last September to 11,200/mo. THIS September. The figures for the affiliated programs are similar. *sigh*

We are fortunate here in that we are able to avert truly desperate hunger, and ameliorate the worst of the remaining human needs, wants and miseries, due to the generosity of local donors, etc., but I am sure that is not the case elsewhere. In that vein, I would ask you to please remember those less fortunate than yourselves, and rather than buying that fancy bottle of water, e.g., get your drink from the faucet or cooler, and give that dollar+ to some LOCAL group who are feeding the hungry--- the least a civilized society can do for its members.

Cheers! :)

[harrison]

1. Seen the same thing happen in our community, even though

our cafe is not nearly so extensive as yours. Thanks for the reminder.

[flamingyouth]

2. kick

:kick:

[fishnfla]

3. good on you and thanks

You know I heard on NPR that the new grim stats on poverty in this country showed that while the levels held steady nationwide, there was a dramatic increase in the Midwest. This is thought to be due to loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector of the economy, under our current pResident. 134,000 jobs were lost in August alone. These are real Americans whose lives are being affected.

When Bill Clinton was president his policies created 22 million new jobs. There were 115 straight months of economic expansion. Our nation was strong and respected worldwide.

Bush has got to go, folks. His tax cuts have to be repealed, we have to end this war and start taking care of our own. I will take this posters advice and I will donate this day to a charity. But you know what, it wont make me feel any better. I have nothing but anger and coldness in my heart.

[blondeatlast]

4. Well said. I will save a few dollars for them.

And thank you and your group for the beautiful example of charity.

Corinthians 13:

1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
8. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Think I'll bookmark your post for the next round of the God wars in GDF.

[Padraig18]

6. Thanks!

"If ye have done it unto the least of these my children, ye have done it unto Me.": :)

[blondeatlast]

11. If only the Repugs remembered that one the next time they try to cut

social services . . .

[scarlet_owl]

5. Hey there in Arcola!

I live in Champaign and I would like to help. I can't give very much, but I'll do what I can. Could you tell me who to make the check out to and an address. I can't promise anything this month, but I will try to scrape a little together for next month. Bless you and your important work.

[Padraig18]

7. AWESOME!

Actually, we're OK financially, for the moment, but who DESPERATELY needs help is the East Central Illinois Food Bank! I will get their address and e-mail it to you here, if you would consider helping them. Your money will be well-spent, since they can obtain food for approximately 10-20% of the cost most of us pay at retail, and they help local food banks over a 17-county area, some of whom are in desperate need. :)

[scarlet_owl]

8. That would be great!

The food bank here in Champaign/Urbana seems to be no more. The building is empty. Do you know if they moved or just closed. I would love to organize a can drive, but I have no way of getting the donations all the way to Decatur or Danville, or wherever the food bank is.

[Nikia]

9. Food banks are truly great charities

I am glad that your's has been so successful in helping so many people. No one in this rich country should have to be hungry. Thanks for reminding DUers of type of charity that can help so many.

[Swede]

10. Grama never ever ever fed us steak

she'd chop it up and make stew. I never new what a steak was til i was 15,honest to god. I've been at friends place for breakfast and they throw away the crust when making toast. Inside I cringe. Or they cut off the end of a roast and throw it away. I can't say nothing like "People are starving in--------." I eat crusts and leftovers when I can afford steak. Grama would like that.

[Padraig18]

12. Religious or not:

The Corporeal Acts of Mercy:

1. To feed the hungry
2. To give drink to the thirsty
3. To clothe the naked
4. To visit the imprisoned
5. To shelter the homeless
6. To visit the sick
7. To bury the dead

It doesn't get much more basic than this.

[blondeatlast]

13. Amen. (as in, so be it). Don't need a book or a priest for that.

Even though that is how I prefer it.

[grasswire]

14. bless you

...and I wonder if you would consider writing a similar post for GD? A lot of DUers never get to the lounge.