As I re-read my last post, I felt a little bad because it’s obvious I have a privileged life, what with time to browse BritBox and shop for fennel pollen. Yes, it is a rather pleasant retirement, but I’m fully aware there are people out there working their asses off and trying to feed their families before the money runs out.
I mostly write about leisure and upscale home cooking, so let’s assume hard-working people struggling to put food on the table are not my target audience. But it seems to me those of you who do come here also care deeply about others, so I wanted to give a shout-out to the food banks that are saving lives, especially now with government food assistance on hold.
How can anyone think it’s OK to stop giving people money for food? You probably already give, but if you’ve got a little extra, I urge you to give more. Even a little bit goes a long way. My local food bank says $1 provides food for six meals. I’ve also learned $100 can feed a family of four for a month.
If you can’t help financially, you can still share your opinions with friends, family and elected officials. It is not OK to starve people.
Somewhat related to this topic is the Epstein files. I was playing golf with a couple of guys yesterday, when one of them brought up the government shutdown. I said I truly believe it’s all about suppressing the Epstein files. One guy said, “Oh, who cares about the Epstein files?”
A couple of weeks ago, I might have said, yeah, I understand. But that time is gone. I said, “I care about the Epstein files. Crimes were committed against young girls, and the people who did it must be held accountable.”
He stopped stammering about who cares and said yes, of course they do. Well, good, now we agree. It’s something, right? I’m done giving people a pass to ignore this stuff. These aren’t made up crimes.
So true. I used to give people a pass…but no more. Children were abused. And I care. I’m sure Dems on that list. Expose them all. And hold everyone accountable.
I agree. Let the chips fall where they may.
I was wondering about fennel pollen…
It really is pretty fabulous. The smell alone is intoxicating.
I’m glad you said that to your golf friend. Thanks for reminding me about donating to food shelves.
Thanks. I’m done giving people a pass on this stuff.
I recently gave to our two main general food banks and am thinking about turbo charging my annual gift to Meals on Wheels. I am so fortunate that I don’t have to wonder where my next meal is coming from.
Meals on Wheels is another great charity. We donated a vehicle to them a few years back. Good for them, and good for our taxes, too.
I am also grateful I don’t have to wonder where my next meal is coming from. It’s a disgrace that it happens at all.
A friend advised me that food banks welcome gift cards, so I’m planning to purchase some for them when I do my next food shopping. I make an automatic monthly contribution to our food bank, but they obviously will need more in the coming months.
Good for you for speaking up about the Epstein files! I don’t think people really understand how prevalent sexual crimes against young girls are. Unfortunately, I personally know a young woman who experienced a shocking crime when she was 13, so it’s always on my radar.
I love the idea of gift cards. I also give a monthly donation but added some extra to help right now.
To me, saying who cares about the Epstein files is just repeating Trump talking points. We do care. I’m so sick of girls and women being treated like they are just there for the grabbing. So good to hear it’s on your radar, too.
Thanks for speaking up. I am disheartened to read that 8 senators gave in to the Republican bullying. It should never be a choice between food and healthcare.
I went to an all day seminar titled How to Challenge Christian Nationalism. It was alarming and hopeful at the same time.
I’m disappointed, too, but I’m hopeful they have a plan, that it’s not just a matter of caving.
Well, my hat is off to you for enduring that seminar. I don’t think I’m strong enough.
I used to let stuff like that slip by, but not any more. I’ve been being brutal with my block button on social media, especially with “good” people who are nevertheless spouting or sharing right-wing nonsense, especially the othering of certain groups. Arguing with them has exhausted me and I won’t tolerate it any more.
Politicians who don’t understand that the growing need for food banks isn’t an opportunity to put down the hard working individuals who are increasingly having to rely on them make my blood boil.
Maybe we reach a point where there is no alternative. Hearing you deal with this same nonsense in the UK makes me sad. I thought it was just us.