Some very depressing discussions on food banks today with people

[niyad]

in the field, not that everything we read and know already is not bad enough..My first conversation was with one of the union stewards at my local store. We were discussing various corporate policies, and how those will impact food banks. Supposedly, sales are down (and this is BEFORE 1 Nov) so they are cutting even more inventory (they are barely getting by on their barely-in-time inventories, and winter is coming, bringing storms, road closures, etc. No SNAP/WIC shoppers, less sales. Less sales, less inventory ordered. No surplus for donations to food banks, and the holidays are coming. And, of course, the astronomically--rising prices, and coming shortages.

Another conversation was with a person who volunteers at our local social services group. We were talking about donations already being down by over a third, perhaps more. The nearby food pantry to which they mostly refer their clients has experienced a serious decline in donations. And yet, this morning, there were 350 people in line, where there are usually about 50-70. And it is not even November yet. Last week, I was with a friend when he went to another food pantry, to talk to the volunteers. Donations are down, need is up, November and the holidays are coming.

Those GODDAMNED FUCKING BASTARDS WANT US ALL TO DIE!!!

I don't think there is enough alcohol to deal with the horror that has been unleashed.