How many times has a person been watching TV when they see an ad/commercial about starving people in a 3rd world country? I probably see the ad at least once a week, and I don't even watch that much TV. Having these on the air doesn't really bother me, except that they are uber long. It does, however, bother me that they always mention 3rd world countries. I understand that being 3rd world means that less people there have as much as more people in places like the United States of America. What I don't understand is why, just because we are a 'powerhouse', those that aren't as fortunate are forgotten about. It seems that not many people realize that there are several people that cannot put a meal in front of them on a regular basis. I think several people think that since they have a nice life, then everyone else in America does as well. I digress.
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana is a not for profit company that provides meals and food to those that need it. They especially help the elderly and children, but obviously it is not just limited at that. A statistic on their website states that eight out of ten Indianapolis Public Schools students require free or reduced lunch. Considering that 80% of the student population cannot afford a full priced lunch, how many do you think go home wondering if they will have a meal that night? Some might even go home knowing their next meal will be the next day at lunch. Gleaners has various programs. They offer elderly boxes and backsacks for children. Backsacks is a program which allows children to bring home a backpack of food so that their family will have meals over the weekend. They also supply a food pantry.
I have not actually volunteered at Gleaners but I have attended the orientation. I am currently just waiting on my schedule, so I will keep you posted.
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