Now that we’ve enjoyed Thanksgiving and are full swing into hanging the Christmas decorations, shopping and wondering what to get the person in the family who not only has everything, but also has the wealth to buy anything they want – I wonder how many enjoyed a free Thanksgiving meal at the local homeless shelter or church?

I recently read an eye-opening study on hunger and the emotional toll it takes on parents when they have a hard time providing enough food for their families. It was a study by Hormel Foods Corp., and it said almost one-quarter (24 percent) of adult Americans said they ate less this year to ensure that their children would have enough food, and 8 percent said they went to bed hungry at least once this year because of a lack of money to buy food.

The study, the fourth annual Hormel Hunger Survey, found the inability to provide food for one’s family is one of the most distressing situations Americans can face, on par with being arrested and jailed, with 82 percent of respondents to the survey saying they would be humiliated if they could not feed their families and 83 percent saying they would feel similarly if jailed.
At the same time, 38 percent said they would be embarrassed if they had to ask for or use food donations.

These statistics are staggering to me. Imagine the feeling of not being able to feed your family bringing the same humiliation as being arrested and put in jail? I had no idea how hunger affected a person, but it’s obvious it is a core issue that needs to be addressed.

While national spending on pet paraphernalia has increased by 43 percent this year, maybe we need to be thinking less about buying a doggie sweater or steps so the old mutt can climb on the bed, and spend more time thinking about the nine-year-old getting home from school and not eating until he goes to school the next day. Or, what they might eat while they are home on Christmas break for two weeks.

It is unconscionable that our nation would spend more on our pets than our citizens. Just exactly where are our priorities, anyway?
So, what’s next? While churches are providing meals during the holidays, it’s also important for each of us to help in any way we can. Gift cards mailed or dropped off anonymously, a box of food left on a porch or even some cash tucked into a greeting card are good ways of giving to someone without embarrassment.

If you find out about a gas bill not being paid or an electric bill that is late and threatening shutoff, if you can afford to, just go pay it.
I know it’s difficult in our industry right now, but those who can, please give. You’ll be amazed at what comes back when you open up your hand and give.

Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.