Tonight I attended a meeting on hunger where we learned about a couple of exciting new projects in Idaho. One is a “train the trainer” software program designed to educate people trying to help others with the SNAP (food stamp) program. The other program walks small communities through a process of figuring out how to set up programs specific to their own needs. And since the legislature is now in session, there was discussion on what is coming up next.
I have been interested in the hunger issue for a long time. In fact, years ago I served as a VISTA volunteer and helped to set up our state’s surplus food warehouse. As time has passed, it is apparent to me that while we need to feed hungry people, we need to work more on the root causes. This is a justice issue. There is no reason for anybody to be hungry in this country—there is plenty of food. Why are working people receiving food stamps? Shouldn’t they be paid a living wage? (Less than half of workers in this state actually receive a living wage.) The divide between the wealthy and everybody else is growing wider and wider. Greed rules in this country. Something needs to change.
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