The Hungry find hope

I live in a small town that only exists because two main highways meet here. Everybody's store to hate (Walmart) has pushed its share of smaller businesses out of the area, but we still have a small selection when it comes to grocery shopping. Included in that selection is two Safeway stores (Known as Von's in some areas) which I found out today offer up the fresh food that cannot be sold to the local food bank.

I cannot say what the unemployment rate is for our small town, but the food bank here sees a lot of business. At least half of everything the grocery stores end up throwing away is still safe to eat but will not sell because it is attached to, or in the same bundle as something that is no longer good to eat. While those who can afford to be picky about their meal selections can select something of better quality (which coincidentally is rarely eaten before it goes bad), those who have no choice in the matter are more than grateful to find fresh fruits and vegetables in their bag (or occasionally box) of food.

It is also good to note, that a hungry person will waste far less than a person who has too many choices for food. This is the case for a large portion of the people in the United States who have become accustom to having everything they could possibly want at their fingertips. I do not know if Safeway and Von's stores in other areas do the same thing, but I applaud our small town grocers for taking an interest in helping our community remain healthy.

I can only dare to hope that their example will be followed and that no one will have to go hungry while food is nearby and unwanted by those too full of themselves to accept a partially sub standard product.