Anyone living in an urban area in many states has seen an increase of food pantries. From one perspective it is disheartening to see that so many people are in need of basic commodities in a country with low unemployment and vast perceivable riches. Though there is some subsidizing of food by the federal and state governments, it appears the majority of inventories are from companies and private individuals. No doubt the generosity of individuals is a good indication of compassion for the needy and an understanding of the virtue and necessity of providing the basic staples to those in need.

From a negative perspective, this proliferation of pantries is a stark reminder of the ever-increasing inequality in this country. It could also begin a throwback to earlier periods in American history when so many elected officials, politicians and religious leaders proclaimed that private charities and individuals should be relied upon to feed people who were without adequate resources. To them, it was not the government’s responsibility to fulfill this role.

It will be most unfortunate if this becomes the majority opinion and an excuse to decrease the governmental subsidies that have been enacted and extended for almost a century.

Betty Ussach-Schwartz

Southampton