Ugh. There you are, sitting at your desk. It’s mid-morning, and that 10:30 a.m. hunger pain hits. You try to ignore it … maybe it will go away. But it’s getting more persistent and insistent. “Feed me,” your stomach is screaming. So you remember that bag of almonds in your desk, or maybe the yogurt you brought with your lunch yesterday that spent the night in the office refrigerator.

You give in. You eat your almonds or yogurt. Your focus goes back to work instead of your angry, empty belly.

Problem solved.

Now imagine you’re a second-grader, squirming in your seat at elementary school. It’s mid-morning and, once again, you went without breakfast because there was no food in your house. You feel that same hunger in your belly as in the previous scenario, but there are no means to satisfy it until you get to the cafeteria and get your one guaranteed meal a day.

It’s not your fault you’re hungry, but you’re experiencing the same side effects as the adult does. Your mind wanders. Your belly aches. It’s impossible to think about learning. You don’t get up and go to the refrigerator, ending the problem. You’ll likely get sent to the principal’s office for being a distraction in the classroom.

What’s incredibly unfortunate is that this second scenario plays out all too often. Parents — the working poor, the single parents — no matter what the scenario that brought them to their circumstances, can’t provide for their children. It’s not the children’s fault, but they are the ones who suffer.

It’s this time of year — when the school supply lists need to be filled and the kids need appropriate attire and footwear for school — that throws these families into the pits of despair.

Now consider this: we are not powerless. We can help.

There are three local food banks in the area that are in desperate need of donations. Not just now, but all through the year. Poulsbo’s Fishline and Kingston’s ShareNet and Kingston’s Food Bank are in the business of giving people hands up, not handouts. Their staffs are skilled at stretching a food dollar beyond comprehension.

How bad is the need?

At Fishline alone, there has been a 38 percent increase in clientele over last year at this same time.

We all know the scenario: The exorbitant price of gas is driving up the cost of shipping, which is affecting the cost of everything else. It’s Reaganomics in reverse.

In the meantime, American families are making the same amount of money and are able to buy less with the same. It’s forcing some families who were self-sustaining at this time last year to go to food banks looking for help.

“It’s pretty basic,” said Karen Timken, executive director of Fishline. “It’s the economy.”

Some grim statistics: So far this year, 32 families have received rent assistance and 60 have received gasoline assistance from Fishline. Those numbers for the entirety of last year were 12 and zero, respectively.

Times are hard, there’s no doubt. And those with a little extra aren’t obligated to give up their extra to help those with little, but it’s the right thing to do.

Donating to local food banks is an investment in the community.

Please consider helping those less fortunate.