YOUR COMMENTS

I have worked all my life and now must care for my ailing husband as well as sickly parents in another state close by . Gas is crazy but i still make the trips to help them out , I work a full time job , a part time job and a second part- time job and still will not be able to afford heat this winter . I am risking my husbands health and cannot get help anywhere, since I make too much. I always give back , and have always volunteered and now when I need alittle help it is not there for me. So the working poor will go cold this winter .
- liz takacs, nashua nh

I see people who should not be getting food in my park getting food every day. a woman comes in her car and delivers it to them items such as bread, fruit and vetables can goods etc. I stoped to ask her what it was and she said it was for the elderly yes they are elderly but have pleanty of money why is this hapening?
- Janet, GILFORD

As someone who has worked directly with those who utilize Food Stamps and other assistance programs, I have seen first hand that it is very easy to judge, unless you look at all angles of a situation-in particularly those who are enraged that "those people" have money to buy alchohol and cigarettes, but not food. Do you think it is a coincidence that many low-income individuals also struggle with drug and alcohol problems? Probably not. Could it be that we all have different coping mechanisms, and for those who may not have had stable families or upbringings use alcohol or drugs to deal? I have to say that I am fairly disgusted at the one-sidedness of some of the comments here.

We do have a huge disparity in the US between the "haves" and the "have nots" and pointing fingers and making judgements really does nothing to solve the problem. Volunteer your time at a local homeless shelter or food pantry, and take the time to ask someone their story-you may be surprised.
- Kate, Syracuse, NY

As someone who works closely with the NH Food Bank I can tell you 1. The NHFB has it's own budget and raises it's own funds. 2. $1 equals 4 meals based on transportation costs of donated goods.
3. There are no bonuses for management. With that said let's return our focus to those in need, and helping our fellow man. Before you pass judgement get the facts visit www.nhfoodbank.org and www.secondharvest.org
- Michele, Raymond

Many of NH residents live paycheck to paycheck. Heaven forbid that you should fall ill and have to miss work for any amount of time. Many people don't even have health insurance and one visit to the hospital could set them back into debt for months or even years. There are so many scenarios - who are we to judge? Hopefully you will never need to go to a food pantry but if you do I can assure you that you will be treated with the diginity and respect you deserve.
- Connie, Manchester

Tim writes: I'd like to know how the food bank turns one dollar into four meals.

Reply: Well Tim, before spouting about how the Food Bank is attempting to manipulate the public, perhaps you should find out how it is run. How does $1 turn into four meals? The Food Bank (a part of America's Second Harvest) counts on corporate donations of food...like Tyson Chicken made a big donation in recent months. It costs a lot of money to keep all this food from spoiling and making sure it gets down to the local level. Mostly they have to pay for freight charges.... I just am finding people here quick to judge without finding out how the process works. The NH Foodbank service a LOT of local food pantries. http://www.nhfoodbank.org/Pages/Agencies/Find.html
- Michelle, Manchester

Debbie from Derry....

Do you really think those of us that have been "sole providers" for 3,4,5 children from birth till college age really will boo-hoo because your son has to take care of HIS DAUGHTER all by his lonesone?! Good Grief! What are we supposed to pay more taxes to help pay for HIS daughter?
- Mike, Concord

I think the point is that charity is more rewarding when you have a relationship to the people you are helping and not treated as a donor to be plied with guilt. None of us know who is truly "deserving" of help. Most of us prefer to help people who would turn around and help us if the shoe was on the other foot, but it's hard to know who these people are at first glance.
I have helped people in the past who ignored how difficult it was to help them and treated me as if I was their servant. And I have helped people who were shocked to witness kindness in this world.
I think the point is to get out and meet people and find out who they are and if they do need help and try to help who you can in your own way.
- Honey, Barrington

does the food bank and NH Catholic Charites share a 501c3? I bet they do. Another reason to support local.
- Lisa, Bedford

debbie, for what it's worth...your son is one of the good guys. he's teaching your grand daughter about work ethic and dignity. and although they'll never admit it, a single father will never get the assistance a single mother would get and neither one would get near the level of assistance an immigrant would. it is not fair by any stretch. but be assured your grand daughter will not likely need a hand-out, because she's been taught to be self sufficient.
- rcn, manchester

I can't believe people have referenced fat people in this article. Have you ever stopped to think about why they could be fat? A frozen pizza can feed a family of 4 for less than $10, while a healthy, low-fat green salad can cost that much alone and not fill people up. Cheap food is fattening food! Healthy food is not.

As far as the Food Bank giving out bonuses for management or being top heavy with management, think again, please. This is an organization of hard-working people who are really doing God's work with passion and spirit and make very little money. They are not trying to take advantage of anyone, they're in the helping business.

I am saddened that NH continues to take that "live free or die" to extremes when it comes to helping our own communities.
- Mac, Manchester

Thanks for an intersting opinion but I'd like to see more details about the food bank customers. The article rings of the social services mantra, "Don't judge the cause, just look at the need". It would be interesting to know how many of them have 1 or more cell phones, cable or satellite television, tobacco and alcohol. My experience is that they typically have all those things and more. I suspect that more focus on the cause and some budget coaching would help reach some of these folks more than a hand out.

Kudos to the fellow that eats at the $1 menu. I am very fortunate and comfortable and often do the same.
- Tony, Goffstown

What a sad commentary. I read this article thinking maybe there was some advice on what those of us trying out hardest to stay in the middle class can do to alleviate the rising costs of food. We are a family of 4 with two working parents, one as a teacher, one in construction. Our grocery bill has gone about about 20% a week. That, coupled with gas and tax increases has put us in the red each week. We do not qualify for assistance, and our oldest has food allergies making grocery shopping a nightmare. The fact remains, that instead of being so quick to judge, you have to realize that people are struggling from the very poor to the middle class. We may not decide to sell all of our clothes and wear rags. We may not decide to sell our homes for less than we purchased them for and opt to live in a shelter. And we may not be able to off load our cars in lieu of of public transportation. We may look like you, but our stuggles are still real, and our cupboards are not full. Oh- and no one in my family is overwieght either, as if it really has anything to do with it.
- KP, Bedford,NH

If food stamps and welfare benefits are so easy to get, please tell me how...

My son has been sole provider for his six year old daughter since she was two. Food stamps totalled app. $100/mo and assistance was no more than $275...and that was when he was laid off. They cut all benefits when he sought and found employment. He has had to shell out $500 for a paternity test to prove he is the father (huh?), and over $400 in court filing fees for custody and child support from the mother, which he will probably never get. She is married, living with her husband, has had a second child and is living on welfare.

My son was told that the state was tapped for resources because of all the Nigerian immigrants recently brought into the area.

So, next time you see a well dressed man and his daughter in the line at the soup kitchen, it could be my son and granddaughter.

Know the facts before you judge.
- Debbie, Derry

I makem too much to get Food Stamps. However, because of the rising price of gas and heating fuel I can't afford much food. Myself and my son eat off the dollar menu at fast food places. Thats how we do it. Sad
- BA, Derry

Dave,Keene- Did you ever consider the well dressed people to which you where refering may have been going to or coming from job interviews?
- D.B., Dover,NH

All governments should get out of the business of public assistance b/c people who don't need assistance get it by working the system and the people who need it most go without. The point of this article is to let people know there are hungry people in NH so please donate to a local food pantry. Food pantries in NH run a tight ship and the people who run them know who really needs help and who doesn't. They are far more effective at weeding out freeloaders than food stamps!
- Mary, Melrose, MA

Thank you UL and Melanie Gosselin about brining this to our attention. I will send out a donation to the Food Bank tonight.
- Peter, Stratham

like many other situations...people become jaded when they see people abusing the system and charities for all they're worth. when this happens it's hard to give money and volunteer time. and as a result the ones who need it the most are unfairly judged and go without the support needed. there will always be someone better off and ther will always be someone who is not doing as well as you/me. by knowing this, it keeps me both humble and helpful.
- rcn, manchester

Anne, I don't feel let down by my government at all. I feel let down by my fellow citizens who want to freeload (Example, Convicts Ed and Elaine Brown) and work the system...maybe pop out a few kids to ensure continued and higher checks, etc etc. Don't blame this on your government at liberals are prone to do.
- Mike, Concord

I've seen a family using food stamps that then went out of the store and got into an Escalade with spinner wheels.

The program needs serious overhaul, ASAP.
- Adam F., Merrimack

Food stamps are not easy to get if you work we applied and were $15.00 over the limit but yet we can not afford to buy groceries every week and as far as Americans being the fattest and not starving I am so sick of people saying that just because a person is overweight they just eat to much!!! Some people who are over wieght don't eat half as much as a person who is not overwieght. There are serious medical issues for alot of these people. I should know I am one of them. I also work and my husband works two jobs. We had some hard times and now have to live pay check to pay check struggling every day...... we don't get any help from anybody and our teenage child has to work at age 15 to help out with things she does extra outside of school. Not to mention that she is special needs and must attend a private school not public so we also have to pay tuition for that. Walk a mile in my shoes before you start putting people down just because you don't have any problems!!!!!!
- Linda, Manchester

Michelle, Thank you for letting people know what is really going on. :-)
- Debra, Manchester

I have read comments made regarding the appearance of those in a food line or in need of assistance... do you need to be dirty and unhealthy to be in need. Come on. Imagine yourself for a second having your life turned upside down by a situation you have no control of and after doing everything humanly possible to help yourself you still fall short and need that little help ..would that mean you should or would look like a dirty rat because you need some help? I think not. Believe me..most of these people standing there are more embarrassed by having to be there and have people see them there needing help than you may ever know unless your in there shoes. Don't judge those that you don't take a minute to think of what may have brought them there in the first place. And for the comment by Mike in Concord....if you know people on the WIC or foodstamp program that have that much and "GIVE" it away then maybe you speak of people who are not so desperately in need and taking advantage of the system. These programs don't give you so much help that you sit back and enjoy life UNLESS you are a free-loader. Remember you don't know these peoples situations and what brought them there..and until you do...don't judge them. One day It may be you or one of your loved ones in that line..
- Rebecca, Manchester

I'd like to know how the food bank turns one dollar into four meals. They've been using that tag line for years- has anyone checked its validity? It sounds like a ploy, especially with the annual summer- poor starving children plea. Do they even feed kids? Wait six months and it will be the homeless, hungry holiday plea. Not to be negative, but I’d rather give to my local soup kitchen than an organization heavy with operating expenses.
- Tim Bailey, Candia

I can't believe the comments I was reading on the hunger issues all around us. I know everyone feels let down by our goverment but do you really think it helps the people in need to have us turn our backs on them too. There are alot of people out there who do not have the means for food or medication. Look at these older people who are retired and are losing there homes, miss meals because they can not afford it. Freeze in the winter and suffer the heat in the summer. They didn't ask for this......
What about the families who have to take care of there children and work two jobs and still can't afford to eat and heat there homes and are living every day in fear of losing there house and job. I know there was people who got houses when the market was up, but those people probably thought there dream was finally coming true and then it turned into a nightmare. Where do you think all these famlies are now? Do you think they are living it up and got out of this scott free. No they are sleeping on our streets and there children, our children are starving and the dream of the future is very slim. I have been though some hard times but this is the worse. My heart goes out to all those people out there struggling every day and wondering if there will be food to eat or have a place to live in the near future.
So with that said, I think we should all be blessed with what we do have and what we can do to help those who do need us at this time of depression.
- Anne, Manchester,NH

The Bethany Church in Greenland NH had a very successful food drive of over 50 tons of food distributed to many Seacoast area food pantries. The debate of government, taxes, etc. misses the mark. It should be volunteer efforts of those in the community assisting those in need filling the need directly. There is no reason to wait for the government to stock the shelves of food banks.

Right now there are working people having a hard time, it is not just the lazy, non-working.
- Jeff, Greenland

and have you ever watched the people in the grocery stores ? its the middle class that have the shopping lists & coupons...not the ones who supposingly have "disabilities" or the ones at walmart with their EBT cards..funny how THEY can still find the $$$ to buy their cigarettes. C'mon, theres definetly something wrong with the system . The old are too proud to ask for help, and the young are too willing!
- diane,, colebrook

What a contrast: right next to this article about people in our neighborhood going hungry, there is an ad for a dating website for the "rich and gorgeous".
- Jay, Manchester

What do you suppose the results are of a word search of the Bible for the word "poor" as compared to "tax cut?" I sure hope you have some really powerful friends to back up the judgements you make. All the other religions in the world, evidently except yours" talk about aiding the poor. Muslims are expected to tithe 10% of their income, but they are the bad guys?
- Robert, Deerfield

I cannot believe just how unempathetic people are. Vowing never to work at a food kitchen (unloading a truck) again because people look like they don't need help? God help us all. Did you even approach a person in line to hear their story? Judging a without investigating is not fair. We are so dehumanized- these are human beings and the deserve dignity and respect just by the fact that they are human.

I assisted in a food drive at my church and you would not believe the junk people donated to make themseves feel better - opend boxes of cereal and crackers, expired canned food, a used bar of soap. When it comes to the poor, people are really prejudiced. we need to see the face of poverty.
- Chris, Bedford

Dave, Because a Person keeps his/herself clean and tidy is cause for you to not want to help the poor? keep in mind that large compants like Nike,Champion, and Colombia as well as large clothing lines donate thier products to the poor, most of these are last years overstock, so dont be so quick to judge a book by its cover, the cover my very well have been put together at your local goodwill or clothing bank.
- Donna, Manchester

Dave, I understand that when we think of those who utilize our local soup kitchens food pantries, etc. we think tend to miscatagorize them as well... as dirty, homeless vagabonds, well that simply isn't the case. Many of those who are need are as Ms. Gosselin said, they are your neighbors, possibly your friends and family. They are people who don't necessarily want you to know they are need. We are not talking about the destitute here, we are talking about middle class citizens caught in the strain of paying for a home, a car, gas, clothing, a family, trying desperately not to be seen as different.
I am sorry you will not help your local soup kitchen again, but who in Keene did you honestly believed needed your help?
- Angelica Mele, Manchester

SO what is the answer for NH? The Democrats and Governor Lynch who have spent NH into oblivion this past term with their outrageous budget deficit and overreaching laws ought to be turned out and hung in the town square. And now they want an income tax too? That will surely help!

/sarcasm off
- Sue, Manchester

I'd like to see the NH Food Bank's annual report. (There was nothing on its website.) The food bank is always begging for money; they should show the giving public that they really need it and that it isn't going to Catholic Charities or into a big bonus for management.
- Lisa, Bedford

If anyone is going hungry in this country it is because thay are trying very hard to! The federal food stamp program has been ADVERTIZING for receipents due to an excess of funds. Some I know who get food from these programs GIVE AWAY the food because they get too much. Another phantom crisis.
- Mike, Concord

Brian in Farmington---I think you miss the point of the article. Due to increasing accuracy of tracking of inventory of major contributors (large supermarkets)...and increased food prices, the Food bank finds itself much shorter in years past. Less food to distribute combined with an increased need. This isn't about Food Stamps. And by the way---have you ever applied for Food Stamps? I did a few years ago when our family was 'in a pickle' and the cut off numbers were so low it was unreal. People on Food Stamps are making VERY little money. I think the old wives tale that those on assistance simply 'choose' to be is inaccurate and bigotted. With the welfare reforms that were institued years ago, you don't see nearly the abuse of the system that use to go on. I would guess that the majority of people using the resorces of food pantrys and the Food Bank are not even recieving 'assistance' but are those caught in the middle---the working poor. Those that DO work but cannot make ends meet. Have you seen the rental prices? Gas prices? Food prices? Many live paycheck to paycheck---and while the cost of everything goes up, paychecks do not. For the middle income family this is a time to pinch---for those already on the edge of poverty, this can be devistating. Remember that the NH Food Bank is a NOT for profit PRIVATE organization....it is not run by the government. It is because of this very honorable organization that the state of NH saves HUNDREDS of thousands of dollars every year----they save YOU tax dollars. Don't bite the hand that feeds you....
- Michelle, Manchester

About a year ago I volunteered to help out at the local food kitchen by unloading cases of donated food from trucks. After we finished we walked through the dining area to our vehicle. There was a line of about 15 people waiting for the meal to be served. More than half of the people in the line appeared healthier and better dressed than people that I have seen at the local pay restaurants. It was then that I decided that I would no longer support the local food kitchen.
- Dave, Keene

I know the food banks need donations and they do great work. I have made donations in the past and plan to do in the future.

I will tell you I am tired of hearing about Americans going hungry. We are no doubt the fattest nation in the world and those at the bottom of the economic spectrum are the fattest. We are all forced at the barrel of gun to pay federal income taxes, some of which goes to AFDC and WIC. If you don't believe that part about the gun ask Ed and Elaine Brown and look where they are at these days.
- Chris, Merrimack

Certainly, there are some individuals and families receiving food stamps who desperately need and deserve this assistance. But there are far too many people on food stamps who are very capable of working but choose not to. And after a 16 week, minimal effort job search, federal and state regulations let them continue receiving food stamps without being required to look for work or make any effort whatsoever to improve their situation.
- Brian, Farmington