Food: war there / epidemic here

During the war in El Salvador (1989), solidarity groups opposed to the government sent trucks with food and supplies to hard-hit rural areas. They had to distribute quickly, since both those giving and receiving were in danger from the regime if they were suspected of “collaboration” with the rebels.

During the Covid epidemic, the Vermont National Guard helped distribute food, in this case, at the Montpelier airport (2020). If the snaking line of cars waiting for goods had been stretched straight, it would have been five miles long. There was no means test, and all were welcome in this strange time when life changed for everyone and so many people lost jobs, income, health or life itself.

Both these images seem like only yesterday; at the same time another lifetime and world away. 

July19,2023