FOOD BANKS STRUGGLE TO MEET SURPRISING DEMAND

AP ^ | August 13, 2015 | Scott McFetridge

[C19fan]

Food banks across the country are seeing a rising demand for free groceries despite the growing economy, leading some charities to reduce the amount of food they offer each family.

U.S. food banks are expected to give away about 4 billion pounds of food this year, more than double the amount provided a decade ago, according to Feeding America, the nation's primary food bank network. The group gave away 3.8 billion in 2013.

[Grams A]

. If things are so bad, where are they getting the money? “

Ones we see for credit counseling are charging meals out to one of several credit cards they have and then only making minimum payments. Absolutely no savings in the bank. I’m amazed at number of people who have large homes but many of the rooms have no furniture or decorations on the wall. Their kitchen cupboards and refrigerators are bare yet they have two new cars in the driveway, a huge TV and video games. No savings for emergencies.

Our family always packs food to eat when we travel and can only afford to eat out on a very special occasion or when we have a coupon.

It’s all about choices.

[sheana]

I just get sick of people screaming about it. ;)

[driftless2]

A lot of it is probably difference in generations outlook. My parents, who came of age during the Great Depression, never spent for anything unless they knew they could pay for it. It's called deferred gratification. Even many Boomers, like me, were taught that. But it seems many members of subsequent/current generations have to have it now. No deferred gratification for them. Which of course means going into debt big-time.