Happy Meals

The Census Bureau said that it estimates 47.4 million Americans are living in poverty. That translates to one in six Americans. The government currently sets the poverty line at anything below $22,050 a year for a family of four. These 2011 numbers show that 7.1 million Americans 65 and older, 27 million people between the ages of 18 and 64 and 13.3 million children live in poverty.

Not surprisingly, studies show that about the same number regularly struggle with hunger.

As the Riverside & Great Northern Railroad begins its 2011 tourist season, I am reminded (and proud) that they work in conjunction with the Canadian Pacific Railroad to sponsor the Holiday Train in December to raise funds and pantry items for local food pantries across the United States and Canada. But I am also aware that Thanksgiving and December holidays, when we most often think of others, are many months away, and millions of American children will go hungry tonight.

I encourage you to join me in making a donation to your local food pantry this week. Their need is constant, their resources limited, their funding almost certainly is being cut. If you are not sure where to give, ask at your place of worship. They may know of a particular family who would appreciate a bag of groceries this week. That way you can also feel sure that your gift is going to help someone in real need in real time.

There is more than one way for a child to get a (healthier) Happy Meal!