Ads by Yahoo!

" Like my economic advisor says, this recession is all in their head. Look at all the food they're getting! "

" Thanks to jud and Inaperfectworld! I also agree with you. Cutting costs affects everyone, and it is up to the individual family to determine where those cuts are made....not an opinionated neighbor. I just began participating in the purchase of Angel Food Ministries b/c it gives a guilt-free option of nutritious meals at a reduced cost. Our family has cut weekend movies, home phone, and extra tv channels. Our vacation was supposed to be on the beach, and ended up 2 hours away on the river. I don't want to be judged by anyone who looks at my clothes, or my car, or how I purchase my food. "

" What is needed is for those using food share to have a signed slip to confirm they are doing the 2 hours community service. Anyone want to bet on the % of those actually doing it? It even states they don't watch it. Also need to see the wages, costs of this program and if there's some government subsidy to it. Lots of questions. Now the free food pantries are a good thing and many people who need food and have very little use them to survive. Not surprising many are ran by churches. "

" Excellent post jud! I totally agree. Sometimes the difference between the haves and the have-nots is in the planning ahead and by being thrifty. The economy has affected all of us, not only the poor. "

" to jipsi: Apology not accepted. You read the story, jumped to conclusions, and then started pointing fingers. You have done this on other articles. Folks out there are just trying to feed there families, whether it be free food or a program such as share. I don't know many people who would go to pick up free food who could afford to feed there family. First of all it doesn't make you feel the greatest when you have to take a hand out and second there are guidelines in place to pervent this from happening. Such as income guidelines. So please, read the article first, then comment. You have hurt a lot of people with your remarks. "

" Here we go again the masses pouncing on each other. Criticizing and finger pointing. So busy attacking their fellow man they are too busy to even ponder why such programs are necessary. Like Hitler said "create a common enemy". Worked for him and works today. Just like animal ganging up on the weaker or less fortunate. Wake up it's not your peers who are causing these problems. "

" I definitely do NOT agree with jipsi. I have never purchased food from either program, but I do know people who have and they are people who ARE WEALTHY! Some people miss the point of the program, in my opinion. You see, those who DO HAVE money and who purchase food are helping those who do NOT have a lot of money. The more people who are purchasing food helps to keep the price down for others. I think it is appalling that anyone could or would put down someone for trying to help others. That is just SELFISH!! "

" to Dave:
Lighten up!
I'm poor, too, and no, we're NOT 'scum of the earth'. Only OTHERS can make you feel that way if you ALLOW it.
Again, my comment was in regards to people (AB)using 'free' food pantries (I almost said 'programs', sorry) just to 'save some money', as opposed to those who NEED those fast-off-the-shelf, finite donations to feed their families because they HAVE NO OTHER RESOURCES.
I have NO BEEF with a food 'program' like SHARE FOOD, now that I've done some research and understand it is NOT a charitable program (like a free food PANTRY) so much as a SAVINGS program.
Testament to the times, eh? "

" The title of the article, AND several paragraphs, refer to the free pantry type operations for the poor and working-poor that my comment was concerning.
At the time I first read the article, I was not able to discern the "difference" between the free pantry and the food 'program' that is also discussed at length in the story.
My comment was in error in that sense, and I apologize: there was absolutely NO intent on my part to begrudge the 'better off' an opportunity to save on their food bill, but I was NOT okay with the same people using a food PANTRY.
The article could be a little clearer in this regard, or perhaps I'm too easily confused... LOL "

" I guess if you're lower income you don't deserve a vacation. How dare you want to see your parents or brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles!!!!
You relinquisted that right when you had to take that 8 dollar an hour job to feed your kids.
This is republican run America. If you're poor you're the scum of the earth. "

" to jipsi: These are called share programs, not free programs. They are meant to reduce the cost of these packages. The more that buy the cheaper they will become. Why are you so bitter. Some people just need a little extra help and even though their income isn't in the poverty area they're helping those that are by lowering the price. And as far as a vacation, my vacation last year was going to visit relatives three hours away and spending time with them. You don't have to spend a ton of money for a "vacation" To some people it just means getting away from home for a few days. Smile lady, the whole world will look a lot better. "

" to jm2: Share is not a food pantry. It is a food program. You don't pay at food pantries. "

" I think that people who use their Link in this manner are actually being very wise in how their food allotment is spent. Share is actually a food co-op in that the food is bought in bulk thus making smaller per unit cost and then that savings is passed on to consumers. There is a difference between Share, the Angel food and the free pantries. However, I would bet that more than 80% of those people going to the free pantry's are not trying to "screw" the system. Perhaps one needs to go hungry once or see a loved one hungry in order to feel the compassion from which these programs originated. "

" A steak and shrimp combo box . . . at a food pantry? Who woulda thunk it? "

" To jipsi: Many retirees on fixed incomes use this program. Some of those people also raise gardens and even take vacations! This is a wonderful program for anyone that chooses to use it, for whatever reason! It can most definitely be used to keep people off of welfare. Amazing concept! Not everyone has a welfare mentality. I think most using the SHARE program are hardworking people that have a desire to eat healthy home cooked meals at a price they can afford. Community services has many rewards too. I personaly haven't had the need to use it YET! But I would not hesitate for a minute if/when the need arises. "

" Re: jipsi I totally disagree with you! As a single white female who is not on welfare, this program (although it is one i've never used) seems to be a great option out there for me to be able to reduce the cost of bills elsewhere while staying OFF of welfare!!! In my opinion, these programs should not accept link as it is yet another handout that is to be taken advantage of (now twice over). In a perfect world, link users wouldn't take advantage but it is obviously going to happen! I will agree with you that there are too many families out here who have no choice...get a job and pay the bills, that's life! I guarantee you, oh probably more than half of link users either have no job or spend there money elsewhere like on a brand new car that I'm not driving! "

" I know people who use this program and they're far from needing it due to their finances. Let's say they have far above average income coming in and go on several trips a year along with going out to eat at restaurants sometimes several times a week. "

" "Crank up those Victory Gardens! And use your entrenching tools! Oh, and does anyone have a Bush blanket I can borrow?"

Oliver "

" to jipsi Whats next? people who take vacations wont be able to use coupons at the grocery store or take advantage of sales at local retail stores? Times are tough dont begrudge anyone for trying to save a buck these programs are obviously making money or there would be sricter guidelines "

" jipsi- Apparently you don't understand the SHARE food idea. It's there for everyone. And due to the fixed costs of operating it (rent, printing, transportation, utilities, etc.) the more people who use it, the lower the cost per person. If you have to split the fixed costs between 2000 people instead of between 6000 people, then those 2000 people are paying a much higher percentage of the fixed costs. "

" Easy there Jipsi-

I went to the website to sign up(being the evil middle class person that I am) and it says a way to help them is to order regularly. So before you go freaking out that middle class people are taking away food from the poor you should read a little bit about the organization. I did not read anywhere on the site where it said only the first 50 orders will be accepted and everyone else is S.O.L. It seems that all who want to participate can. I am going to place an order and probably the grilling optional pack as well. Shame on me for wanting to "cut corners" and save some money on the rapidly rising grocery bill. "

" Vacation does not necessarily mean out staying in hotels and spending alot of money. For some vacation may mean simply visiting relatives in another city...and before you bring up the gas issue it doesn't have to be a city where you spend a fortune in gas to get there. It's possible to go visit someone that lives fairly close but conflicting schedules don't allow time to get together any other time. "

" to...jipsi...............you nailed it !!! "

" Why can't there be a program for people trying to be thrifty. If their motto is "If you eat, you qualify" than why do you feel a need to add more qualifications? I don't believe it is tax dollars covering this program so what is your problem? "

" WAIT... there may be LESS people right now because some have gardens and others are "on vacation"???

Anyone who is able to go "on vacation" (as in, not being at the home address for awhile as they are SOMEWHERE ELSE enjoying a VACATION) should NOT be eligible for a food program! (regardless of the share program's "you eat, you qualify" motto).

Their "vacation" funds should be more than enough to pay for the average family/couple/single person's FOOD for the month, right?
I mean, C'MON...
Those who can afford a vacation can afford to NOT go to a pantry or food share program, thus leaving more food and options available for those whose income dictates they MUST find food by other and/or lesser means!
I worry that a lot of middle-class folk may be using this program to simply "cut corners" in order to free up entertainment and leisure income (neither of which TRUE working-poor an even consider).
A food program, for fee or free, should not be simply a Sam's Club type option for those CHOOSING to be thrifty.
There are TOO MANT families out here who have no choice at all: it's the water/power bill or food. "