Economists can debate whether or not the country is in a recession, and Congress can argue over stimulus packages and Freddie Mac bailouts.

But the fact remains that too many Americans are going hungry. And that, quite simply, is a shanda.

In a story this week, we report on an alarming drop in donations to Bay Area food banks and pantries. At the same time, a spike in demand for their services has strained the system dramatically.

Organizations such as the San Francisco and Alameda County Food Banks and their counterparts in the Jewish community, including the regional Jewish Family and Children's Services pantries, are the last line of nutritional defense for our most vulnerable fellow citizens — especially the young, the elderly and the infirm.

If the food banks' cupboards go bare, we will have a major hunger crisis on our hands and right on our doorstep. As a major moral force in this country, the Jewish community cannot allow this to happen.

Granted, food and fuel prices have skyrocketed in recent months. Everyone these days must keep a close eye on household finances.

Still, that is no excuse from doing our part. In truth, it doesn't take much to make a big difference.

Food banks and pantries are located in every region of the Bay Area. No one need drive far to deliver a bag of donated groceries. Many synagogues have collection bins in their lobbies and often do food drives, some year round. You can always drop off a bag at those locations.

Or you can mail a check.

We all feel pride knowing Jews have taken a lead role in fighting hunger. For example, Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger, perhaps the best-known Jewish organization dedicated to the issue, has partnered with more than 850 U.S. synagogues to make fighting hunger a priority for the Jewish community. Over its 22-year history, Mazon has distributed more than $40 million in food aid around the world.

But we can't wait for Mazon to stock the shelves of the food pantries next door. This is our responsibility, right here, right now.

Please get in touch with your local JFCS food pantry or the food bank of your choice and make a donation today. We provide a convenient list on page 4a.

Feeding the hungry. Clothing the naked. Providing shelter for the homeless. These dictums constitute Judaism 101. Let us live out the true meaning of our creed.