There are many and activist groups airing television commercials asking for donations to help end world hunger. Mothers often say to their children, “Eat your dinner, there are hungry children in this world that would love to eat.”

However, these commercials are not about hunger in America. Instead, commercials are about hungry children and families in other countries.

Yes, it is heartbreaking to see anyone suffering, but there are an incredibly high number of families going hungry right here at home.

According to feedingamerica.org, in 2013 there were 45.3 million Americans living in poverty and 49.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on its website that the nationwide unemployment rate was 6.1 percent as of August of this year.

The hungry in America could be a neighbor, a friend at school, a co-worker or a student.

The cost of living in today’s world has reached such a level that people earning minimum wage find it hard to survive and thrive on that income alone.

The United States needs more commercials and activist groups helping raise awareness for the millions of Americans going without food.

Until that day comes, the citizens of Picayune are certainly doing their part by donating food items to the local food banks through Melinda’s Fine Gifts retail locations.

Shaw said she offers a discount to customers bringing in food items, but the majority of good Samaritans won’t shop, they just drop off food.

Here at the Picayune Item we commend the efforts of Shaw, those that operate the local food banks and the most of all the citizens of Picayune who dig deep into their pockets to feed the less fortunate.

Next time you are sitting down to a good meal or standing in line with a full buggy at the checkout line, think about that recently unemployed mom or dad who might not be able to provide food for their family and consider making a donation to local food bank.