After my mom and dad divorced in the 1960s our financial situation changed drastically -- we were poor.

Through the kindness of various organizations we received food baskets containing canned meats and vegetables. It was rare to get fresh fruit or sweets. It was a real treat when someone would donate candy or cookies. When mom got a windfall we would "splurge" and get some of the foods the rich kids got -- steak, chips, Oreos.

It's unfortunate nowadays some people abuse the food assistance program -- selling their shares or squandering it on shrimp and steak, while the rest of us on a budget eat peanut butter or go meatless twice a week.

There are still many "new poor" who are forced to use the food pantry and rely on government assistance for the first time. Please don't harden your hearts because of the few who abuse. Continue to donate some of the "cool food." It's humiliating enough to have to ask for food, let's try to take some of the sting out of it.

Mag Wells

Belleville