Name:   MAJ USA RET - Subject:   It's only about student backpacks Date:   9/11/2024 5:15:52 PM (updated 9/11/2024 5:29:36 PM)

I have a couple of theories.  You are right to suggest I might be considering a "crappy economy."  I also note the increasing presence of Latin American folks - especially in the construction trades.  At one on the other food distribution agencies with which I am associated, hispanic families arrive with children in tow.  It is interesting to note that a signigicant number of the conversations require a school age child to translate conversations between English and Spanish.  I note to myself, those children might well be clients of the backpack mission.

However: "A Christian perspective is that: after you have delivered the food, you no longer have a responsibility to determine 'eligibility' or 'consumption' (i.e. where it goes and who gets it). Such are under the purview of God."  They get the food.

If they show up at our on-site ministry, we just give them the food.

Under both the religious and secular scenarios about which I have written, little of the costs are borne by taxpayer, but rather by charitable contributions, food industry bulk donations, and volunteerism. I say "little" because some of the food is injected into the system by USDA. 

 "A study based on government data released by the Washington-based nonpartisan fact tank in late May found that the share of Americans living in middle-class households dropped from 61 percent in 1971 to 51 percent in 2023. During the same time, the share of Americans living in lower income households rose from 27 percent to 30 percent..."

Regardless of illegal immigration or crappy economy, you are right Mr Hodj - there is the proof in the pudding.

But, If our fellow citizens and interlopers are on welfare... that IS borne by taxpayers.  We are going the extra mile while the load is being increased.

- LMF Curmudgeon