“When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist.”
–Hélder Câmara, Brazilian Catholic Archbishop
It seems like every trip to the grocery store results in fewer bags brought home, but a higher credit card charge. If you’re like me, your default is to complain about the cost of food without considering the silver lining: Our nation is blessed with an abundance of food. You and I don’t go hungry.
But some folks do–in fact, a lot of folks do. According to the website feedingamerica.org, forty-seven million Americans struggle with hunger and food insecurity, the latter meaning the ready availability of , and/or the ability to pay for, groceries. Of those forty-seven million, thirteen million are children. That’s one in every five kids.
Inadequate nutrition during childhood results in long-term consequences: poor growth, poor bone and dental health, and, paradoxically, overweight. The only foods many families can afford are high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fat but low in nutritious ingredients.
The longest war the U.S. has fought? Not WWII, Viet Nam, or the Middle East. It’s the war on poverty. In the 1950s, the poverty rate was over twenty percent. Since President Johnson started the war on poverty, the rate has come down, but it stubbornly stays above ten percent. The Census Bureau reported that the rate was 11.1 percent in 2023, or around thirty-seven million people. So, we’ve pushed back the forces, but we haven’t defeated them.
The U.S.A. is the richest country in the world. It’s counterintuitive to think we have so many impoverished and hungry people–concentrated in the southern, more agrarian states, but represented in every area of the country.
Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus was with his closest followers when a woman anointed his head with very expensive perfume. The clueless disciples were astounded that she would waste such a treasure. His well-known response was, “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me (Matthew 26:11 NIV).” Some have taken his words out of context to suggest that we should not try to do anything about, or for, the poor, but the statement in its totality had more to do with his impending death.
It is almost certain that poverty will never be extinguished, but it’s incumbent on us to do what we can to mitigate the ravages of hunger and poverty. That said, the federal government is not the answer. If it was, we would have won the war decades ago. The more your and my dollars go through the hands of staffers, administrators, and other bureaucrats, the less likely it is they will arrive at their intended target.
Better to have each state identify the needs of its particular population and direct support where it needs to go. Better still to call upon the better angels of our nature, represented by civic groups and houses of worship, to support efforts in their community that demonstrate tangible positive outcomes . . . both with our dollars and our volunteer hours.
A good friend of mine lives by the mantra, “If it is to be, it starts with me.” Certainly, that’s a notion that has application in the effort to help those who are hungry or impoverished.
We have people–including children, for Pete’s sake–right under our noses who are going to bed hungry and can’t afford the resources so many of us take for granted. That’s simply unacceptable.
If you agree, remember it starts with “me.”
16 Comments
Leave A Comment
“When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist.”
–Hélder Câmara, Brazilian Catholic Archbishop
It seems like every trip to the grocery store results in fewer bags brought home, but a higher credit card charge. If you’re like me, your default is to complain about the cost of food without considering the silver lining: Our nation is blessed with an abundance of food. You and I don’t go hungry.
But some folks do–in fact, a lot of folks do. According to the website feedingamerica.org, forty-seven million Americans struggle with hunger and food insecurity, the latter meaning the ready availability of , and/or the ability to pay for, groceries. Of those forty-seven million, thirteen million are children. That’s one in every five kids.
Inadequate nutrition during childhood results in long-term consequences: poor growth, poor bone and dental health, and, paradoxically, overweight. The only foods many families can afford are high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fat but low in nutritious ingredients.
The longest war the U.S. has fought? Not WWII, Viet Nam, or the Middle East. It’s the war on poverty. In the 1950s, the poverty rate was over twenty percent. Since President Johnson started the war on poverty, the rate has come down, but it stubbornly stays above ten percent. The Census Bureau reported that the rate was 11.1 percent in 2023, or around thirty-seven million people. So, we’ve pushed back the forces, but we haven’t defeated them.
The U.S.A. is the richest country in the world. It’s counterintuitive to think we have so many impoverished and hungry people–concentrated in the southern, more agrarian states, but represented in every area of the country.
Shortly before his crucifixion, Jesus was with his closest followers when a woman anointed his head with very expensive perfume. The clueless disciples were astounded that she would waste such a treasure. His well-known response was, “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me (Matthew 26:11 NIV).” Some have taken his words out of context to suggest that we should not try to do anything about, or for, the poor, but the statement in its totality had more to do with his impending death.
It is almost certain that poverty will never be extinguished, but it’s incumbent on us to do what we can to mitigate the ravages of hunger and poverty. That said, the federal government is not the answer. If it was, we would have won the war decades ago. The more your and my dollars go through the hands of staffers, administrators, and other bureaucrats, the less likely it is they will arrive at their intended target.
Better to have each state identify the needs of its particular population and direct support where it needs to go. Better still to call upon the better angels of our nature, represented by civic groups and houses of worship, to support efforts in their community that demonstrate tangible positive outcomes . . . both with our dollars and our volunteer hours.
A good friend of mine lives by the mantra, “If it is to be, it starts with me.” Certainly, that’s a notion that has application in the effort to help those who are hungry or impoverished.
We have people–including children, for Pete’s sake–right under our noses who are going to bed hungry and can’t afford the resources so many of us take for granted. That’s simply unacceptable.
If you agree, remember it starts with “me.”
16 Comments
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Tim, I admire you for approaching such a complex problem. Having worked with families on welfare and food stamps, the majority of which were women caring for their children I saw how difficult it was for them to move from welfare to self-sufficiency. For those who don’t work in that field (and I’m thinking of most of the politicians who seem to have a great lifestyle, and have no idea of the road blocks faced by those folks on welfare. Even as a middle class person, I had no idea until my job was to help welfare families move to self-sufficiency. “Get training and get a job.” That was the goal, but no one addressed the intricacies of how that works. And although I have many examples, here is just one: If you live in an area without public transportation, or limited public transportation, how do you go to and from work every day? You can buy a car…Right? You can’t if you don’t have money. You can borrow a car from a parent…Right? You can if you have a driver’s license and insurance. But you can’t get any of those without owning a car. And then there is the increasing cost of car insurance, yearly registrations, car payments, car maintenance. How can one person afford that on a minimum wage paying job? Public housing and food stamps help, sure, as does Medicaid. But with the rising costs of everything now, I can’t see how folks in poverty can ever pull themselves out of poverty. And then there is the drug use problem where parents sell their food stamps for drug money. Who stops that? Or the folks that have an illness that are unable to work? I don’t mean to sound like a downer, but as I remarked in the beginning, it is a complex issue and a sad one for such a wealthy nation. I wonder if it can ever be solved?
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Love this!! One of my favorite quotes is by Mahatma Gandhi. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I try not to take anything for granted. It’s really not hard to help someone in need and there’s no doubt you will be blessed in doing so.
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We are blest to be a blessing to others. Thank you for reminding us that we are the hands and feet of Jesus. God help us to be just that.
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It is a terribly complex issue. I wish I had just the answer. Yes, there is some waste in government. But, on the other hand, I hate the thought of NOT having a safety net for families. A safety net doesn’t have to provide everything. There still may be food insecurity. But, it is a start. And, I think it is incumbent on us all to be the change we want to see. I think there has to be government & private citizens working together to tackle this complex problem. Sadly I do not see that happening in our country today. With the passage of current legislation by the House & Senate I fear there not only will be no safety net for families, but also ill will towards those that desperately need help. I hope I’m wrong.
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Thank you for this insightful blog, Tim. You are so right – poverty IS very complex. It is the culmination of myriad circumstances and has no easy “fix”. But each if us can make a difference – one person at a time!
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Your message is one we need to spread thoughout society, Tim. There’s so little acknowledgement of this massive problem. I had a church friend who commented recently, “It’s all about the choices they’ve made.” Children don’t make a choice to be hungry and they have no control over the choices their parents or other adults have made. It’s so important that we break the cycle–children that grow up in poverty tend to stay in poverty. We can make a difference. Thank you for sharing
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I agree that the government is NOT the answer. Charities and churches — the good people in our country are the answer. In my work with women in unplanned pregnancy and single moms, I’ve seen how difficult it is to come out of the cycle of poverty. Most of these women do not have a support system of family who can help them. They may have grown up in foster care, or their parents may be incarcerated, addicted, or deceased. Day care can cost an entire paycheck. Transportation is a constant concern. And they can’t afford to live in safe areas. I’ve had a pregnant client move into low-income housing where her new home was broken into and robbed the very first day while she walked to the grocery store. Horrific and so tragic.
Grass roots charities provide the most help. Shameless plug: SOUL – Sanctuary of Unborn Life helps single pregnant women and new moms with housing, utilities, and baby items while encouraging them in faith, finances, and friendship. SOUL empowers mothers to be a Sanctuary for their children through education, faith-based mentoring, and financial assistance. We strive to find safe housing options and also provide a maternity home. (www.sanctuaryofunbornlife.org)
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The need can be right under your nose, too! A neighbor recently inquired at a local very small church how to help during the summer for children who go hungry when not in school. A weekly gathering was born to fill 50 bags with mostly healthy foods for these needy children. It was easy to do. Just commit to providing a particular item( did not have to be 50), show up to pack the bags, or contribute so the organizer could purchase. Some did all of the above. There was no lack of appreciation for this small act of kindness and care. Small things do make a difference. It did for these families!
Thanks, Tim for this inspirational blog. You were pediatrician for all 5 of my children.
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Tim, I admire you for approaching such a complex problem. Having worked with families on welfare and food stamps, the majority of which were women caring for their children I saw how difficult it was for them to move from welfare to self-sufficiency. For those who don’t work in that field (and I’m thinking of most of the politicians who seem to have a great lifestyle, and have no idea of the road blocks faced by those folks on welfare. Even as a middle class person, I had no idea until my job was to help welfare families move to self-sufficiency. “Get training and get a job.” That was the goal, but no one addressed the intricacies of how that works. And although I have many examples, here is just one: If you live in an area without public transportation, or limited public transportation, how do you go to and from work every day? You can buy a car…Right? You can’t if you don’t have money. You can borrow a car from a parent…Right? You can if you have a driver’s license and insurance. But you can’t get any of those without owning a car. And then there is the increasing cost of car insurance, yearly registrations, car payments, car maintenance. How can one person afford that on a minimum wage paying job? Public housing and food stamps help, sure, as does Medicaid. But with the rising costs of everything now, I can’t see how folks in poverty can ever pull themselves out of poverty. And then there is the drug use problem where parents sell their food stamps for drug money. Who stops that? Or the folks that have an illness that are unable to work? I don’t mean to sound like a downer, but as I remarked in the beginning, it is a complex issue and a sad one for such a wealthy nation. I wonder if it can ever be solved?
You have insight from your work that many of us don’t, Amy. Thank you for these comments, and, yes, it is so sad.
Love this!! One of my favorite quotes is by Mahatma Gandhi. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I try not to take anything for granted. It’s really not hard to help someone in need and there’s no doubt you will be blessed in doing so.
Great advice, Donna. Thank you!
We are blest to be a blessing to others. Thank you for reminding us that we are the hands and feet of Jesus. God help us to be just that.
Amen, Jan!
It is a terribly complex issue. I wish I had just the answer. Yes, there is some waste in government. But, on the other hand, I hate the thought of NOT having a safety net for families. A safety net doesn’t have to provide everything. There still may be food insecurity. But, it is a start. And, I think it is incumbent on us all to be the change we want to see. I think there has to be government & private citizens working together to tackle this complex problem. Sadly I do not see that happening in our country today. With the passage of current legislation by the House & Senate I fear there not only will be no safety net for families, but also ill will towards those that desperately need help. I hope I’m wrong.
Good perspective, Sara. Thank you! I’d like the feds to aid states and let them allocate those funds. “It takes a village.”
Thank you for this insightful blog, Tim. You are so right – poverty IS very complex. It is the culmination of myriad circumstances and has no easy “fix”. But each if us can make a difference – one person at a time!
An avalanche can begin as one tiny snowball, right?
Thanks, Lissa!
Your message is one we need to spread thoughout society, Tim. There’s so little acknowledgement of this massive problem. I had a church friend who commented recently, “It’s all about the choices they’ve made.” Children don’t make a choice to be hungry and they have no control over the choices their parents or other adults have made. It’s so important that we break the cycle–children that grow up in poverty tend to stay in poverty. We can make a difference. Thank you for sharing
Children are the innocents. If society wants to make an impact on the culture of poverty, hunger, and other tragedies of need, we need to start with children and young families.
Thanks, Katherine!
I agree that the government is NOT the answer. Charities and churches — the good people in our country are the answer. In my work with women in unplanned pregnancy and single moms, I’ve seen how difficult it is to come out of the cycle of poverty. Most of these women do not have a support system of family who can help them. They may have grown up in foster care, or their parents may be incarcerated, addicted, or deceased. Day care can cost an entire paycheck. Transportation is a constant concern. And they can’t afford to live in safe areas. I’ve had a pregnant client move into low-income housing where her new home was broken into and robbed the very first day while she walked to the grocery store. Horrific and so tragic.
Grass roots charities provide the most help. Shameless plug: SOUL – Sanctuary of Unborn Life helps single pregnant women and new moms with housing, utilities, and baby items while encouraging them in faith, finances, and friendship. SOUL empowers mothers to be a Sanctuary for their children through education, faith-based mentoring, and financial assistance. We strive to find safe housing options and also provide a maternity home. (www.sanctuaryofunbornlife.org)
Thank you, Dianne.
SOUL is just the kind of organization that actually works. Imagine the red tape, rules, and regulations that effort would experience were it to be a government-run program.
The need can be right under your nose, too! A neighbor recently inquired at a local very small church how to help during the summer for children who go hungry when not in school. A weekly gathering was born to fill 50 bags with mostly healthy foods for these needy children. It was easy to do. Just commit to providing a particular item( did not have to be 50), show up to pack the bags, or contribute so the organizer could purchase. Some did all of the above. There was no lack of appreciation for this small act of kindness and care. Small things do make a difference. It did for these families!
Thanks, Tim for this inspirational blog. You were pediatrician for all 5 of my children.
Hi, Peggy, and thanks for your great comments!