Things sit on the counter too long. If it's hot food, keep it hot. If it's cold, keep it cold.

Just because it doesn't smell doesn't mean it isn't spoiled. Potentially hazardous things like ground meats, eggs and milk may go bad the quickest and you may not know it. Those are things that bacteria like to live on.

The expiration dates on packages are 'best used by' dates. After that, it's not unsafe, but the quality is decreasing every day. I usually recommend no more than a couple of weeks past the expiration date.

When in doubt, throw it out. I seriously stress that when people call me.

We purchase many of the food items, personal products, fresh frozen meat, orange juice, etc., that we offer to our clients. We depend on your generosity to be able to keep the pantry open to help our neighbors and friends and all those in need.

Mr. Speaker, less than 10 percent of our Nation's children walk or ride their bicycles to school, and too many schools continue to invite fast-food vendors into their cafeterias.