Most homeless people are grateful for any food received. many support organisations appreciate and show gratitude for all food donations. The food donated, however, is often what other folks don't want to eat.As a result, the quality of food in most soup kitchens is abysmal. Limited to whatever food is donated, the meals served are often high in fats, sugar, and sodium. Vegetables served are often expired canned goods or beginning to rot. People have become physically ill from eating well past the expiration date. The attitude presented to the needy is " beggars can't be choosers," but a poor diet for the homeless can contribute to increased medical costs for everyone.
Ken Hughes is dealing with health issues that have destroyed his finances. He is now forced to eat at soup kitchen to survive.This statement comes from Mr Hughes’ personal experience: “Because of bacterial contamination, I have become sick five or six times from eating at a certain soup kitchen. I know of several people who have become sick after eating there also. I don't eat there any more.” Mr Hughes goes on to praise another group that feeds the needy: "Picnic in The Park serves salads and homemade casseroles, and they handle the food in a sanitary manner."
The saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly applies when you consider the cost of a healthy diet versus that of emergency room visits. Hospitals have no choice but to pass the expense on to the customers who can afford to pay. According to Barbara Glidewell, Oregon Health and Science University Patient Advocate and Ombudsman, " Individuals who endure homelessness for lengthy periods of time are at risk for nutritional deficits which may severely impact their health." For example, diabetes, an increasingly common disease that requires careful maintenance of blood sugar levels, can become more severe or even fatal because of a poorly managed diet. Adds Glidewell, "Many homeless do not have health-care...