Voice of the Free Press: Nothing lower than stealing from food shelf
6:55 AM, Apr. 29, 2011
In the hierarchy of petty crimes, few things are lower than stealing from those who are in great need. That makes the theft of food from the food shelf in Burlington a crime that should be cause for community outrage.
Burlington police report that somebody pried the hinges off of two outdoor refrigerator storage units taking meat and other food items.
The Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf serves about 12,000 people a year, with more and more people turning to the food shelf to make ends meet during the economic slowdown. Those served include children of families who have a hard time keeping food on the table through the end of the month even though the parents might be working.
For many people, having to turn to the food shelf for such a basic necessity is an act borne out of severe need.
It’s tough to go much lower than to steal from such people.
