Your View — Government gets in the way of feeding the hungry

James A. Booker, Mankato

April 27, 2008 01:03 am

— A food shelf’s motto is, “The poor we will always have, but why the hungry?”
Recent news reports have indicated that rising food prices will predictably result in increased stress on the poor. Food shelves will be hard pressed to keep up with demand. At the same time, another report has appeared stating that venison donated to food shelves by hunters should be rejected because of the danger of lead poisoning.
If these reports seem to be at odds with each other, they are just the latest in a series of government policies which pit the hungry against attempts to feed them.
I once tried to donate some ducks which my son and I had shot to the local food shelf. I was informed that only game which had been professionally processed could be accepted. Venison could have no additives, such as pork added to hamburger to improve the flavor and texture.
I also learned that home-canned fruits and vegetables were unacceptable. This means that, although I give away canned garden produce to friends and relatives, I may not give any to the food shelf. The same applies to fish.
I understand the government is trying to protect us, even to the extent of making us throw away a lot of food on the outside chance that it may make someone sick. I also understand the legal ramifications if that were to happen. But it just seems a bit overdone when the rules for feeding the needy are more stringent than those which apply to others.
Reminder: Many senior citizens who are struggling financially are unaware that they may qualify for food stamps.