Who Will Send Aid to America's Hungry?

One of the reasons I started this blog was to create discussion about vital (and not-so-vital) issues facing us today. I strongly feel that being silent only increases the likelihood that nothing will ever change. With that thought, I have a subject that has bothered me for years...who is going to send aid to America's hungry people?


Every legislative year, Congress passes multiple foreign aid packages that are intended to help varying countries feed the hungry, educate the people, create jobs, and help to stimulate economies. That's ok. I'm glad that we have the money to be able to help emerging nations get closer to self-sufficiency.


However, while we annually spend tens of billions on these foreign aid packages, Congress typically cuts back on domestic aid and services. In other words, while we feed the world, many of our own citizens go hungry day after day, or don't have adequate shelter or clothing, or quality education for their kids.


Whether the public, our States, our Congress, or even our President want to admit it, this country has what has been described as a 'rampant hunger problem.' We have the poor and lower middle class income familes who can't adequately feed themselves. They are called the working poor.


The numbers of our own citizens going hungry or who are malnourished are not known. One estimate I read puts it in the tens of millions. These folks are not just living on the street. They can be (and probably are) your neighbors, friends, work associates, church acquaintances, etc.

Our elected leaders should be ashamed that 'the world's bread basket' cannot feed its own who are struggling. Their eyes are constantly searching for ways to help other countries, but are blind to their own struggling citizenery. This very opinion is fleshed out in constant cutbacks in programs for those needing help such as vocational training, social services, food assistance, etc, etc, etc. All the while, we send more and more aid to other countries.

I guess my question is, "Why are we aiding everyone else in the world, but are ignoring the hunger problem at home?"

What makes it ok to tell hard-working Americans that they aren't important enough to ensure every person in every house has good, nourishing, and abundant food to eat? I have personally been through some rough times. I have gone hungry so my kids could eat. I know how terrible it is to hear your child ask if there is any more food. I don't ever want to be in that position again.

We are the wealthiest nation on earth. Our farms feed the world. Yet our leaders praise themselves for all the good they do; Our corporations pat themselves on the back for all the public service they provide; Our current presidential candidates spout empty promises about bettering the lives of all Americans; Political contributors pay $20,000.00 a plate for dinners with their favorite politicians, dressing up in their finest, and making nice in order to curry future political favor.

Meanwhile, food prices are out of control, energy prices are soaring to unimaginable heights, services for those in need are constantly cut back, and Washington DC turns a blind eye as they continue searching for that next big aid package that will assist yet another country.

What's wrong with this picture?

I know that there are no quick fixes, and that this issue alone is infinitely complex. But ignoring it only makes the problem exponentially worse. We must feed our friends, neighbors, etc. Our leaders must [actually] look no further than their own constituencies to know where to send that next big aid package.
If they do not, who else in the world will send food aid to America's hungry?