Urges Loaves be placed where it does the most good
Published 12:28 am, Wednesday, March 5, 2014, New Milford Spectrum
To the Editor:
The Feb. 28 Spectrum article, “Loaves & Fishes reveals struggle,” quotes Colleen Purcell, a parent who objects to the food charity Loaves & Fishes being located on Bridge Street next to a public recreational area.
Ms. Purcell states, “I… understand not everyone who goes there is an alcoholic, homeless, or a drug user.”
Unless she’s being ironic, this implies a majority of the Loaves clientele is degenerate fiends who are threatening her child(ren) just by being nearby.
But, in reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
People who go to food banks and soup kitchens are not all, or mostly, or even often “alcoholic, homeless, or a drug user.” They are persons who are hungry.
They experience, on a daily basis, various sorts of food poverty. Not because they choose it, but because they can’t afford to feed themselves.
“Concerned parents” may have the freedom and economic privilege to drive their child(ren) to any sports field or recreational area they feel is safe, and to eat in their home or any restaurant they like.
If only they could offer some mercy for less fortunate ones, who are compelled by no fault of their own, to use the charitable services of a community soup kitchen for their basic sustenance because they do not have the same financial or transportation options given to the privileged.
No evidence supports the fearful statement that Loaves & Fishes clients are any of the things inferred.
Let’s ensure the least fortunate among us are properly fed.
Let’s put Loaves & Fishes Hospitality House where it will do the most good.
New Milford
