If one examines U.S. Census data, it's fairly obvious northwest Kansas does not fare as well economically as the rest of the state. All 19 counties have median household incomes below the state median of $47,341. Only Ness County comes close; most counties range in the mid-$30s.

Consider the percentage of residents living below the poverty line, and 14 counties in the region are above the state average of 11.2 percent. Sherman County at 15.0 percent and Wallace County at 14.1 percent suffer the most.

Census statistics are one way of looking at the poverty issue. Examining usage of food pantries in the various communities is another. And it appears this area of the state is headed in the wrong direction.

According to figures in a Hays Daily News report Sunday, the reliance on free pantries to provide food for families in need is increasing. At the Russell Food Pantry, 2009 saw a 16-percent surge from the year before. The Community Assistance Center in Hays recorded a 30-percent hike for the year. Another facility in Hays, the St. Joseph Food Pantry, almost tripled the number of food boxes it gave away in January. Similar increases were reported in Ellis and Wilson.

In Hays USD 489, 42 percent of students qualify for free or reduced meals. That's up 10 percent in only two years.

"It's a sign of the times," said Robert Balloun of the Russell Food Pantry. "A lot of people (have) lost their jobs, and a lot of companies have put their employees on part-time to avoid benefits. We have quite a few elderly on fixed income that just won't stretch."

The bottom line is easy to see: Families are struggling. Northwest Kansas is not unaffected by the national downturn. And these are our own neighbors, friends and kin reaching out for the lifeline food pantries throughout the region offer.

We are grateful for the service and non-judgmental attitude the staff and volunteers provide at these centers. Compassion is in good supply. And, so far, food and other assistance items are as well.

Yet we need to be mindful that food pantries only work if their shelves are stocked. If 12.6 percent of Ellis Countians live below the poverty line, 87.4 percent do not. It is incumbent upon us to help those in need if we are able. After all, most individuals are not laid off by their own choice. Tough economic times push many people into situations they'd rather not be in.

And the situations are pressing.

"When you're hungry, you need food now," said Leonard Schoenberger of Ellis Food Boxes. "You don't need it 30 days from now."

We should be mindful of treating others as we would like to be treated ourselves. Food pantries in every community could use help in carrying out their noble and vital mission. If you can give, please do so. Contact your local pantry today.

Editorial by Patrick Lowry

plowry@dailynews.net