Okay, while not affluent, My girlfriend and I manage to get by. We are raising 5 kids who never go hungry. We have all the things we need, and most of the things we want. Sometimes things get a little tight, but not so tight that we can't eat. I'll be going to the grocery store tomorrow and filling a cart to take to my local Food Bank. Here's a challenge to each of you in similar (or better) positions to do the same.

I give quite a bit of help, financial, food, and time to the local meals-on-wheels organization. They help the elderly, providing money for utility bills, food, and just someone to talk with. It is a shame and disgusting how some older people have to live.

If some 35 year old is going without food, they are probably making some wrong choices (not always, I know!). Older people on fixed income don't always have the option to make the wrong choices.

Utility bills can become out of hand, especially when it gets cold. Good food, food that is of quality and healthy is expensive (sadly food that is bad for you is usually cheap).

Also, many times, all they really need is someone to sit with them and talk to them as people. A little human interaction does wonders

Unhealthy food, e.g. Pop Tarts, sugary cereal, pizza pops, fast food, carbonated/caffeinated/heavily sweetened beverages around here generally are NOT cheap by any stretch. They're simply easy to prepare (or rquire no preparation whatsoever) and contain chemicals that are potentially, to some degree, addictive, which is usually why people buy the products.

Regardless, I don't think particularly highly of people in general, and do not donate or contribute in any way to charitable organizations for the most part. I have individuals for whom I make exceptions, those being, not surprisingly, friends, whom I love and tend to respect. I generally abide by the manifesto that states that charity begins at home. I choose to use my resources to improve the situations of those close to me rather than volunteering them to strangers. I would sooner make a friend's week than potentially save the life of an individual whom I have not met, and with whom I am unlikely to even come into contact let alone form a close friendship. But then, that's just me.

I see no harm in giving to a food bank, doesn't matter if I know the people or not. Doesn't even matter to me how old they are or what they're reason for needing food is. I'd rather give food or clothing to someone than cash. With money they could easily go get a fix, but with food you know at least they're eating. Who knows what turn of events brought them there. I know, but for a lucky turn here and there, that could be me.

I lose nothing by giving and maybe, just maybe someone will have their life turned around because they got a meal.

My school collected 27,040 items for our local food shelves between Thanksgiving and December 21st. It's an annual tradition, and I'm so proud of the students and staff!!!

I am amazed we are doing so poorly, everyone in my area has been trying. With all the efforts put in I would think the food bank would be doing better.

That is just depressing.