Food insecurity

We're thankful for enough food

We’ll have a more complete list tomorrow, but today we want to note one thing for which we are thankful. It’s a simple thing, something many of us take for granted. But throughout our nation and certainly the world, this item is all too scarce. Food.

Indulge us for a moment as we envision the Thanksgiving table. We can’t even start with the table because over on a counter will be several desserts. Pumpkin pie. Have to have that. Chocolate pie with the fluffy whipped cream on top. Maybe even a German chocolate cake. Mmmmmm. Then there’s always that seven-layer delight thing that everybody else loves but seems to have way too many chartreuse green ingredients in it.

On the table, we’ll start with the side dishes. Green beans with a few pieces of bacon cut up in them. Broccoli, cheese and rice. Corn. Mashed potatoes with giblet gravy. Those candied yam things. Rolls. And, of course, the star of the side dishes — cornbread dressing, made from scratch and through years and years of experience. Oh, my! How any group of people could eat this much dressing at one sitting is beyond comprehension, but don’t be expecting leftovers.

Then, there at the end of the table, the great big bird. We don’t ask questions, mind you, but how do Moms learn how to perfectly cook a turkey? We know it takes hours and hours, and there are several steps in there, but, goodness sakes, the end product is worth the effort.

Everybody gathers around. Pray before eating. Dig in. Generally, there’s not just a whole lotta talkin’ goin’ on. There’ll be time for talkin’ after the eatin’s done.

One heaping plate. OK, maybe just a little more. Yes, please. Pumpkin, and a glass of milk.

That scenario will play out in millions of homes across America on Thursday, but in millions of others, the day will be much less eventful.

Nearly 15 percent of U.S. households — that’s about one in six — suffer from food insecurity. Those numbers equate to 48.1 million Americans, according to Feeding America.

Those numbers are even higher for certain groups. Households with children — 19 percent food insecure. Households headed by single women — 35 percent. Black non-Hispanic households — 26 percent. Hispanic households — 22 percent. In 2013, 9 percent of all senior citizens in this country suffered food insecurity.

These numbers are higher in Arkansas, where one in four children — one in four — live in poverty. In Arkansas 20 percent of all households suffer food insecurity. Look down your street. Count the houses. For every four, count that fifth one as a household in which the adults are struggling to provide enough food for themselves and their children.

During this time of year, we have more than a few opportunities to help others. Groups and organizations put together food baskets for those in need, making Thanksgiving and Christmas a bit more cheerful and less stressful. Those are great efforts, and we applaud those who donate and volunteers to these campaigns.

But hunger doesn’t just show up during this time of year. It’s an oppressive burden every day. Food banks and programs such as the Arkansas Rice Depot help feed people throughout the year. We wholeheartedly endorse their work and encourage Arkansans to support them.

In fact, we have a suggestion. Instead of that fifth toy or another sweater or bottle of perfume, why not make a donation in a loved one’s name to organizations that help feed our friends and neighbors? You will be helping fill a huge need, and you’ll get the added benefit that comes with knowing that you’re helping. We promise, the person who gets the donation card won’t miss the gift one bit.

One other thing: After you’ve had Thanksgiving lunch or have opened all the presents, why not go down to where the community meal is being served? Volunteer there for an hour. You’ll be glad you did.

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