# Giving granola bars to the homeless **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [December 9, 2011, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644 "2011-12-09T17:52:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/21 "2011-12-10T03:43:03Z")
After watching one guy give a piece of pizza to a guy begging for it, and then seeing the beggar eat the cheese off it and throw the rest on the floor, and a few days later watch a teenager give a beggar all the change in his pocket, only to see the beggar deliberately drop it all over the El platform at the next stop, I don’t know what the hell they want, and have had the teeny bit of guilt I felt over my refusal to give them anything, ever, exonerated. If I were to give anything to help the homeless, it would definitely be to a shelter, and never directly to someone on the street. I like the idea of a couple of bags of socks. ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/22 "2011-12-10T03:45:42Z")
The people you’re talking about are clearly mentally ill. ---
**Author:** ![ProbablyProcrastinating](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/57b2e6/32.png) [@ProbablyProcrastinating](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ProbablyProcrastinating)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/23 "2011-12-10T03:53:30Z")
I’m with those who think you should give whatever you want. If it’s in a package it can still be traded, though. I give money. As a coffee drinker and former smoker, I take responsibility for the actions that led me to become addicted to these drugs. However, I was still addicted and unless I’m prepared to take that homeless person and give them a real shot at kicking addiction, I’d rather just let them know that I see their need, I care about them as a person as much as I can while driving by that particular intersection, and I’m going to share what I have. I think as far as that goes, a granola bar and 50c have approximately the same value. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/24 "2011-12-10T05:18:26Z")
Not every human action requires rational processing and practicality. Acts of direct personal kindness, like being irresponsibly generous to a stranger, are exempt. ---
**Author:** ![Janetda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/46a35a/32.png) [@Janetda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Janetda)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/25 "2011-12-10T06:46:25Z")
I watched a show once that included C. Everette Coop. He was asked a similar question, he said he gives money. The fact is that many folks are physically addicted to booze or drugs and can get seriously ill if they don’t get a fix. They may actually benefit more from a fix than the food. ---
**Author:** ![Av8trix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/90db22/32.png) [@Av8trix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Av8trix)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/26 "2011-12-10T07:09:38Z")
Sure, not everything would be used, but for a token amount of effort on our behalf, it may make someone’s existence a bit better for a day or two… Friend of mine has a history grass-roots of homeless outreach- here’s her FB page on the subject: [Redirecting...](http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Bag/171246359574041?sk=info) I have started this page in the hope that everyone who visits it will be inspired to keep a “homeless bag” in their vehicle. Everyone likes to say “It’s a small world” the fact of the matter is that our world is Huge and engulfing when faced with NEED. I think that deep down we all want to reach out to our fellow human beings and make a difference in their lives. Often we have the opportunity to be a good friend and sometimes we even get to lend a helping hand. One bag is here to feed. Feed the soul, feed the heart, feed a belly. Not just one soul, heart, or belly. If every person on my face book friend list took part in “One bag” there would be 217 lives changed. If those 217 people shared this idea with each person on their friend list and they each participated we could possibly start something GREAT\> Keep ONE BAG in your vehicle. A plastic shopping bag. Fill it with the following. 1. At least 2 bottles of water 2. A "cup o noodles or other easy eat. 3. A set of plastic utensils 4. A set of clothes. Shirt, Shorts/pants, sox, maybe a pair of shoes 5. Travel items Tooth brush Tooth paste Razor Shave Cream Toilet paper (yes they make travel size TP) Soap tampons 6. A piece of paper a pencil an envelope, and a stamp. Many of our homeless have family whom they have not had contact with for quite a long time. Someone who may be missing them or who could help. 7. A list of the organizations in your community who help the homeless be it with housing, clothing, job placement or a hot meal. This information can be found on line and printed out using your computer. So here is what you do once you make your bag. Nothing. Wait. When you see that sign held up by another human being reaching out to you. You know the signs… They read “will work for food”," Homeless Veteran", or simply “Hungry”. Give them the bag. Eventually you may find yourself making ONE BAG for a woman, ONE BAG for a man or ONE BAG for a child a boy or a girl. I’m willing to bet that every single one of you whom I went to school with never thought that you would see the hard times that you have seen people fall on in this economy. There are men and women out there who never dreamed that they would be hungry. Keep ONE BAG in your car, truck, Jeep, SUV, or Saddle Bag. It’s just one bag. Right? ---
**Author:** ![gatorslap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gatorslap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gatorslap)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/27 "2011-12-10T08:22:02Z")
I’ve never really understood why people take umbrage to the homeless spending their giveout money on booze or drugs. Being homeless sucks. Booze and drugs on a very short list of things that enable a homeless person to not be miserable for part of a day. ---
**Author:** ![Naxos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/50afbb/32.png) [@Naxos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Naxos)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 9:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/28 "2011-12-10T09:03:50Z")
> [@MaxTheVool](#): > > Has anyone ever done this? Are there obvious reasons why this is a bad or good idea that I’m not thinking of? Any other comments/thoughts? Many people give food instead of money. It’s a very good idea. The culture of charity in this country is an accepted social norm of declaring superiority of the giver over the one who’s begging. No doubt why all religious organizations and many other ones are firmly behind the support and propagation of this beggar/giver norm of social exchange. ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/29 "2011-12-10T09:06:48Z")
> [@gatorslap](#): > > I’ve never really understood why people take umbrage to the homeless spending their giveout money on booze or drugs. Being homeless sucks. Booze and drugs on a very short list of things that enable a homeless person to not be miserable for part of a day. Because self-medicating with drugs and alcohol is a good way to ensure you’ll be miserable tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![BeaMyra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/2bfe46/32.png) [@BeaMyra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeaMyra)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/30 "2011-12-10T10:03:00Z")
I also was gonna say, granola bars are hard on the teeth, even if yours are good. If you want to give food, make sure it’s isn’t hard to chew ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/31 "2011-12-10T16:19:19Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Are you doing it to prove a point or to lend a hand? A candy bar would probably be nutritionally equal and probably cheaper than most granola bars. False dichotomy. And, I suppose we could get into a grand debate about what is the most nutritious food item per calorie or per penny spent, but let’s not (which candy bar you talking about vs the particular granola bar I’m talking about). Let’s just say “granola bar” is a placeholder for whatever food item I choose to give homeless people. The point is, the choice they have to take it or not. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/32 "2011-12-10T17:12:37Z")
I give out Bibles-ya know, the ones I filch from hotel rooms. ---
**Author:** ![emacknight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ec8ea/32.png) [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/33 "2011-12-10T17:16:15Z")
> [@ralph124c](#): > > I give out Bibles-ya know, the ones I filch from hotel rooms. The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities already ram enough of that down their throats. ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/34 "2011-12-10T17:24:18Z")
> [@emacknight](#): > > I spent a long time with the Salvation Army providing far more than just granola bars, and to sum up my experience: The stuff they didn’t want/need was sold, the stuff they did want/need wasn’t good enough. A good summary of my own experiences working with the homeless in 3 different cities. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/35 "2011-12-10T17:37:06Z")
> [@emacknight](#): > > The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities already ram enough of that down their throats. I get the impression that religion-based services to the homeless are going out. Years ago, there was a private charity in NYC-you simply stood in line and the handed you two sandwiches. No preaching, no proselytizing, no tracts or bibles-Just sandwiches. It was very busy. ---
**Author:** ![miss\_elizabeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/36 "2011-12-10T20:44:01Z")
> [@Grumman](#): > > Because self-medicating with drugs and alcohol is a good way to ensure you’ll be miserable tomorrow. Yes, but they’ll be miserable tomorrow _anyway_. They’re HOMELESS. It’s not like the options are skip the drinks and drugs and tomorrow I have a house, or drink and keep being homeless. It’s drink today and ease my suffering for a little while, or skip it and feel like shit regardless. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/37 "2011-12-10T21:21:27Z")
> [@miss\_elizabeth](#): > > Yes, but they’ll be miserable tomorrow _anyway_. They’re HOMELESS. It’s not like the options are skip the drinks and drugs and tomorrow I have a house, or drink and keep being homeless. It’s drink today and ease my suffering for a little while, or skip it and feel like shit regardless. Can you clarify this? A homeless person is asking you for advice. He wants to know if he should just keep drinking all day tomorrow, or if he should stop. What do you advise him to do? ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/38 "2011-12-10T22:07:20Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Can you clarify this? > > A homeless person is asking you for advice. He wants to know if he should just keep drinking all day tomorrow, or if he should stop. What do you advise him to do? Whatever he feels is best. If I were asked this by a homeless person, I would feel I was not equipped to advise him/her one way or another as to the best course of action. How do I know what complicated history has led them to where they are now? How do I know what possible mental issues this person deals with that led to the alcohol abuse in the first place? How presumputous of me to just swoop in and say, “regardless of whatever else is going on in your life, you should just stop drinking, things will be better that way”. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/39 "2011-12-10T22:17:19Z")
That’s amazing. It’s hard for me see how a homeless person will get out of being homeless by being drunk all the time. Just because getting sober is not a guarantee to a path out of homelessness, a sober homeless guy is a hell of lot more likely to do so than a drunk guy. And how does answering a person’s request for advice equate to “swooping in”? The guy is asking you for advice, and the best you can come up with is “whatever feels best”? ---
**Author:** ![miss\_elizabeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2011, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644/40 "2011-12-10T22:20:00Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Can you clarify this? > > A homeless person is asking you for advice. He wants to know if he should just keep drinking all day tomorrow, or if he should stop. What do you advise him to do? A homeless person asking for my advice (presumably on how to stop being homeless) is a lot different than someone asking for change. If they ask for change, I give it, or not. Advice is unasked for and, I assume, unwelcome. ETA: To answer your question, if a homeless person asked for advice, obviously I would say that they should stop drinking and using drugs. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-granola-bars-to-the-homeless/605644.md?page=3)