Give away a doggie bag

[zipplewrath]

I've started doing something in the last two years and it occurs to me that it could be a neat thing to spread, especially among liberals.
I travel my fair share on business and often to dense urban areas. I'll often have to go to dinner at specific places. And far too often I end up with extra food. It'll normally get thrown out. I'm staying in a hotel and probably traveling in the morning so there's not much reason to take it with me. Goodness knows I don't need to be eating too much. But lately, I've been having it boxed up and I take it, and as a leave the restaurant, or as I get back to the car or hotel, I'll look for that homeless person and offer it to them. Many times I often have gotten in the habit of scoping out where they are before I ever get to dinner. That guy in a shop entry way, the fellow on the corner begging for change, or the bag lady with the shopping cart full of stuff.

It goes down pretty easy. I usually walk up and just say "you hungry?". They always look a tad surprised but are quick to respond and I just hand them the box/bag and walk away. Some coworkers who are a bit of a right wing type gave me some grief once, but I just said, "What's it to me? The company is paying for my meals. The food was going in the trash. I just figure it's my "loaves and fishes"." Kinda tends to shut 'em up pretty quickly.

I'm tempted on occasion to say something like "It's a liberal stimulus program". But I mostly don't wanna make any deal at all. I make as much a fuss as if I was throwing loose change in a busker's guitar case.

[MontanaMama]

1. I love this.

Thank you for the idea!

[Angry Dragon]

2. ...........

[lambchopp59]

3. I've been doing this a long time, and it is wise to ask first.

I've also been homeless, hungry, (underage and scavenging to save my gay self from certain homicide) and it made it tougher when the drunks and drug addicts on the street made things worse.
I never begged for a "spare dime". It was some odd, miraculous circumstances that saved me from the streets in 1976.
However, when I see some homeless outside the market, I may offer them a hoagie sandwich.
And it serves as a litmus test:
If they refuse, it's likely they're only seeking the means for next self-destructive behavior the "spare change" supports.
I had one even throw the sandwich into the parking lot, with an acerbic remark. So I ask first.
I can't offer much more, being not that far above potential homelessness again, myself.