Helping hands: Developing meal program a worthwhile effort

It seems hard to believe that there are children in this community who do not get enough to eat.

But the statistics say that there are many who have limited access to food when they are home on the weekends and holidays -- and the city of Goldsboro is leading the way to do something about it.

The city is seeking a nonprofit organization to assist with providing weekend meals for any child who needs one beginning this spring.

The idea is a good one -- and something the community should get behind, especially when it comes to providing extra funding or volunteers to perhaps offer a transportation program.

There is grant funding for some of the project -- and it is an ambitious one. But for the program to succeed, the community will have to step up, too.

There are reasons to look hard at the hunger problem. Why, with programs available, do so many children still go hungry? Do we need to teach families more about budgeting and meal preparation, or is the food stamp system simply not doing the job and are families falling through the cracks?

All those are ponderings for state and national legislators.

Right now, what matters is making sure that no child goes to bed with an empty stomach if there is a way this community can do something about it. This is a very important step in that direction.

Published in Editorials on February 2, 2015 10:48 AM