The Argus Observer | Online

Our Opinion: An escalating problem

Friday, November 21, 2008 11:12 AM PST

A nearly perfect storm is fast approaching and has, in fact, already hit some areas of Oregon regarding hunger.

A report from the Oregon Food Bank illustrates just how serious, and how big, the escalating hunger problem is in Oregon.

Between July 1 and Sept. 30, according to Oregon Food Bank statistics, handouts of emergency food boxes in Oregon climbed 13 percent. In some parts of Oregon — such as Malheur County — the rate of distribution of food boxes has increased by more than 40 percent.

What does this mean? Well, it means our food banks and food pantries in Malheur County need the help of the community now more than ever.

Perhaps we can do nothing about the national economy, but we can, and we should if we are able, step up and help our fellow residents who have fallen on hard times.


ADVERTISEMENT

Return to Previous Page

Comment Blog - Note: All Comments Subject To Approval

Sam wrote on Nov 23, 2008 12:21 AM:

" I would really like to see a better jobs program develop. Isn't there something we can do for struggling families besides handing them free food? My personal view: You want to feed your kids? Get to work! "

Scrooge wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:52 PM:

" I told you once before about the pot-puffin' hippies putting the ugly on town and then going down to pick up a food box. If you don't like your local scene, you can always check out http://www.charitynavigator.org/ to find another way to give it away. I know, the salaries listed there in 6 figures are discouraging but Uncle Sam wouldn't do any worse if the IRS takes it from you. "

TERMS OF USE

Those who post comments are accountable for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they furnish. While we encourage writers to utilize this service on our Web site, we also strongly suggest they treat it as public forum where good taste counts. We reserve the right to decline for approval objectionable material from these blogs.

Writers that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments - such as racists language, threats or comments unrelated to the story - will not be approved for the blogs. Also, entries that are unsigned or "signatures" by someone other than the actual writer will not be approved.

While writers can still post anonymously, we strongly suggest that they do not do so.

Opinions, guidance and other information expressed in Argus Observer story blog comments and on the Argus Observer blogs represent the individuals' own views and not necessarily those of the Argus Observer. The Argus Observer furnishes this type of forum and does not endorse and is not accountable for statements or advice from anyone other than an designated Argus Observer spokesperson.

More Headlines

Our Opinion: An escalating problem

Other Newspapers' Opinions: An end of an era