I continue to be impressed with the many efforts of persons throughout the Homer community to help those who struggle to make ends meet. My most frequent participation with these efforts is through the Homer Community Food Pantry that is located at Homer United Methodist Church.

I watch volunteers from this church and many churches (and the community in general) give of their time and efforts so that this important program can continue. Many people of the Homer community care deeply about the struggles with which others live. And I often see and interact with persons who come for help. I know firsthand that many people of the Homer community live with the reality of economic hardship (even great hardship).

The consideration of reinstating a food tax in Homer beyond the current "seasonal" tax causes me to write this letter to the editor of the Homer News. I am always concerned when food is taxed because it seems to me that a food tax is disproportionately hard on people with lower incomes. Everyone needs a certain amount of food to live. A tax on food will therefore always represent a higher percentage of a lower income than a higher income. Personally, I would prefer that food never be taxed. I therefore encourage our civic government to make every effort to raise needed revenue without the reliance on an all-year food tax.

Charles Martindell, pastor

Homer United Methodist Church