"David Hunt, Out of work, waiting to be confirmed as disabled, suffering from breathing difficulties in the cold air, But three bowls of beef stew, a half-loaf of homemade bread, three cups of coffee, two cookies and a glass of iced tea later," - Sounds pretty able bodied to me, at least able Bellied !!! If the cold air is a problem, then being confirmed as disabled won't make it better, move to a warmer climate and find some sort of job!!!! Does any one else out there get tired of hearing about this?? How many heating assistance / food stamp / welfare cases / bailouts can we support?? The solution is in not having the hand out stretched for anyone to come and feed from, people will then find a way to work, or move to an area they can work in - it may sound hard, but this has to stop.

I think it's wonderful and I'm happy that these folks have a place to go and something to look forward to. Kudos to the volunteers.

lifeline in maine come on look at the picture in the article..the bowls were not more then a cup and a half in size...and statistics show...that when one is deprived food they tend to gorge...so what you didnt pay for the food ..I am as much a taxpayer as you and do not mind at ALL that my tax dollars go to the foodstamp program or mainecare after all not everyone is as lucky asm e to have a good job in this "maine" land of poverty. NOW some abuse the system and that bothers me but this man says he is not able to work....moving to a warm climate? would you help him do that financially after all the man can't afford a meal right now never mind moving away...It tends to be those so vocal about these types of things and crying that others are doing this type of stuff..that get the most help......Now to the bailouts...lol what a joke...states are now asking for bailouts....everyone said this would happen..it is NUTS. AND WE are all in big trouble....something bigger is coming...this economy is tanking more and more and will get worse..you may find yourself needed some soup and bread...so careful Karma would be awful.

My heart goes out to all the "David Hunts" out there. Until you've been there, walked in there shoes and found out what its like to not know where your next meal was going to be then I'd remain silent or perhaps go volunteer and serve these people who are our neighbors. May God bless them.

lifeinmaine, I hope you never become disabled, it is not as easy as you think to go and ask for help. I hope if you ever do become disabled the people you ask for help are more understanding than you obviously are. Someday you too will get old and need help from some kind souls out there, it is just a fact of life, deal with it.

RubyRose and Scollins327 - actually I have had my share of bumps in life, I have broken my back twice, and both times I got worked through the pain and got back on my feet - it is not easy - especially when the doctors are telling you that you are 30% whole person disabled, but the human body can be amazing - if your mind is set to it. All I had to do was remind myself that many, many, people have overcome much more difficult obstacles in life. Look at many of our troops who have returned with incredible injuries and yet they prevail - attitude is 90% of the problem. And yes I would support a program that "assisted" those in need, that helped them become productive to what ever level possible, rather than the current welfare system that "supports" far too many. What do you think David Hunt is doing while waiting for the disability process takes place??? If he can make it to this dinner, then he has some ability - that is my point.

David Hunt worked in a wood mill for 30 years. Breathing in all the sawdust is what damaged his lungs. He is now 53 years old and was recently laid off and said this is the first time in his life he had to ask for help. He WALKED to the free dinner, stopped THREE times along the way to get out of the cold and catch his breath. He is not a freeloader - he is exactly who we in Pittsfield want to help. Our neighbors. Our friends.

What a great idea!!! nice to see people taking their time & money they have to do something very nice for others!!! I dont get the comment about this being a "handout" technically its some good people extending an open invitation to others to join them for dinner & socializing once a week.

I think this is an excellent program that more towns and cities should consider doing! People who are down and out financially and just lonely people who need the company finally have a place to go. Thank you to towns like Pittsfield for thinking of the other people in this world who truly need someone!

I agree with lifeinmaine. I am sick of hearing people getting assistance. As far as David Hunt, I will at least say he has worked a lot in the past and I would rather see him get assistance sooner than the younger, even more abled bodies out there. Maybe it's where I live, maybe it's the jobs I have held in the past, but I have seen QUITE A FEW people who are DISABLED ride four wheelers, go snowmobiling, jet skiing, hunting and work on their house. I myself have arthritis throughout my body. I have had days where the walk from my bed to my bathroom (10 feet away) is a two minute walk. I have had days where my 8 year old had to open jars or bottles for me because I couldn't grip. When I could no longer work in the career I loved, I had to get a job that my body could handle. It even came with a pay decrease. I had to re-adjust my spending to make sure my daughter and I could have the things we need.... I AM NOT SAYING THERE SHOULDN'T BE ANY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IN THE STATE. I am saying however, Maine makes it TOO EASY for TOO MANY people to get assistance. And yes, I am saying we need to find a way to control it better.