World hunger is not disputed. Hunger in America is not disputed. Hunger in our own state and city, while not disputed, understandably does not reach the front pages of national news.
Photos and statistics of hunger depict great desperation and evoke reactions of sorrow and often incredulity when confronted with the scope of this atrocity.
Words, reaction and attention from "ordinary" to citizens to celebrities, moving tributes of global awareness, have created a demand for involvement, promoting and encouraging all of us to become agents of change in addressing this atrocity.
All these efforts are to recognized and commended.
The children of Union County, those children who experience food insecurity, who have not expressed their appreciation for these acts of humanity must be excused for their lack of enthusiasm. Many of them are too hungry to concentrate on what transpires beyond the memory of their last meal and the anxiety of uncertainty concerning when they may eat again.
The physical pain of an empty stomach permeates into every aspect of their day. Instead of scurrying to gather their homework in the morning, their lunch bag, and latest trinket for show and tell, they are searching for any morsel of food. Instead of the excitement of getting to school to see their friends, make plans for after school play or sports, their eagerness is fueled by anticipation of the free breakfast awarded them for their eligibility based on income.
The mission of the Friday Backpack Program is to address these children. Each Thursday packs of supplemental food are put together by volunteers. These bags are then delivered to the school, and on Fridays school personnel add these bags to those children's backpacks. In many cases this may be the only food they see all weekend. A small group of volunteers, serving a modest 10 children in October to 50 children in January, is gaining momentum thanks to the benevolence of area businesses, service organizations, churches, and others. Our sincere and profound thanks to all of you: Caring individuals who volunteer, donate, and remember our children!
Linda Holman Engle
La Grande, Oregon
