The United States received some pretty sobering news Monday: There are more hungry people in this country now then at any other time since the government has tracked the statistic.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s report indicates that nearly 50 million people had difficulty getting enough food to eat in the last year. More devastating still, the total number includes almost one in four children going hungry.
It is another example of how far-reaching the 2008 financial collapse has been. Rising poverty and unemployment have certainly contributed to the number as well as food shortages across the country.
It seems impossible that in the United States, a country with so much wealth and so many resources, people are going hungry on a regular basis.
With the holidays coming up and people in the giving mood, contributing something to the hungry is more critical this year than ever.
Everybody who has the means to donate food, time or money to a local food bank or pantry should really try to get out there and help this season. As the statistics show, the need is critical.
Here are some local center and projects, which need your help:
Project Holiday Helpers – Bonita High School’s faculty and staff are asking people to try and donate to either Project Full Bellies or Fans of Cans. Items that can be donated include bottled water, snack-food items, toiletries or canned meat, vegetables and fruits, to name a few. For more information contact Shannon Stark at (909) 971-8220 or visit the Web site at bonitahigh.net.
Inland Valley Hope Partners – They provides food, shelter and emergency services to the hungry and homeless. Three food pantries available for donations include Pomona, Ontario and San Dimas. For more information, call (909) 622-3806.
Shepherd’s Pantry – Located in Glendora, it is a non-profit organization. Their special requests include children’s shoes, clothing and toiletry items. For more information, cal Phil Huisman at (626) 852-7630.
Sowing Seeds for Life – This La Verne non-profit organization is located at 1350 Arrow Hwy. and is open on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
There are food banks close by if you know where to look, even if you don’t live in La Verne on the Inland Valley.
Coastal Pacific Food District in Ontario, located at 1520 E Mission Blvd., delivers goods to the needy. For more information, call 909-947-2066.
In San Bernardino, there is the Central City Lutheran Mission at 1354 North G St. For more information, call 909-381-6921.
In Riverside, there is the Second Harvest Food bank, located at 2950 Jefferson St. Suite B For more information, call 951-359-4757.
In Temecula try the Western Eagle Foundation located at 28075 Diaz Road. For more information, call 951-695-3582
These generous places provide an opportunity for the local community to become involved and try and to be a part of the solution to hunger in this country.
It will take a great effort by a great many people to wipe out hunger in this country.
Let’s all take a first step this holiday season – and for that matter, throughout the year.
It will not take much if everybody pitches in a little, all you have to do is try.