Give to the food banks

There is nothing worse than going hungry -- especially during times when others are feasting.

This week begins the holiday season and food pantries in the area already are seeing limited amounts of food that they can provide to needy families.

Look at the lines outside of El-Ada or the Lutheran food pantry on the days they distribute basic necessities. They are long, a sign that far too many local families are still suffering from the sluggish economy. Approximately one in ten breadwinners in our community are out of work. For many others, trying to live on minimum wage, the holidays are a time of economic stress.

For many years, the Cheer Basket project helped pick up the slack. But the project was a lot of work -- and expensive -- and last year was the project's last.

That means this year the area's needy are having to fall back on the established food pantries, which desperately need additional donations. If you can help, give them a call or drop some non-perishable food items off.

The two major ones in this area are El-Ada and the Lutheran church pantries.

Giving food for those who need it is also food for your soul.