Take Note Gainesville: Homeless and Hungry Are More Likely To Be Hospitalized

by Danny Jensen · 2011-02-11 05:00:00 UTC
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Eating an apple a day to help keep the doctor away is sound advice for all of us, but following the old adage is particularly crucial for those who are living without a home.

A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), one of the nations top hospitals, reveals that homeless individuals without enough to eat have a much higher risk of being hospitalized and are more likely to require treatment from an emergency room than those who receive adequate nourishment.

The importance of eating well to maintain good health may seem fairly straightforward, but unfortunately there are some people, particularly in Gainesville, Florida, who need to be reminded of how vital hunger relief programs can be for those struggling with poverty.

The City of Gainesville recently imposed a 130-meals-a-day limit to area soup kitchens, a controversial and troubling decision that is preventing places like St. Francis House (SFH) from feeding countless hungry neighbors. Considering the homeless population in the county is up by 38%, this is no time for Gainesville to be playing a twisted numbers game that puts the health of so many people at risk.

Sign the petition demanding that Gainesville feed all who are hungry

Fortunately, not everyone in Gainesville politics wishes to leave the city's hungry out in the cold. Some of the City Council members recently encouraged the community to step up efforts to help the homeless population, and Gainesville Police Corporal Rob Fanelli frequently volunteers at St. Francis House. And yet somehow, Mayor Lowe and the City Commission seem to think there should be a limit to how much help should be offered, despite desperate pleas from the community. Individuals can help feed the hungry all they want, the Commission and Mayor Lowe say, but when it comes to places like St. Francis House, the city is concerned about maintaining the "integrity of our neighborhoods". That sounds like NIMBY pressure coming from area businesses, not a humane and responsible approach to homelessness and hunger.

The MGH hunger and homelessness study should serve as a wake-up call to the city of Gainesville of how essential food security is to the health of the city's poor. Rescinding the 130-meal-a-day limit is not only the humane choice to keep citizens fed and healthy, but it will also help save the city and county medical expenses and keep emergency room beds clear. St. Francis House and other area service providers should not be forced to ration out meals and have to tell the 131st person to hit the road hungry. Please sign our petition demanding that Gainesville feed all who are hungry.

Photo Credit: Alan Levine

Danny Jensen

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