I stopped at the store to buy bottled water and snacks before work. I remembered how when I was employed with world’s largest retailer one of the disabled people got caught stealing food. A friend who worked in their department told me the assisted living facility where this person stays provides housing, meals, and personal care. But the person’s guardian had it set up where if they needed anything like toiletries or clothes, an account was in place and someone from the care home could purchase it for them. They did not have money of their own despite having a job. I was appalled to learn this. It meant they couldn’t buy something as simple as a drink or a bag of chips to eat on their break.

Every place I’ve worked, there is someone who steals food. Lunches go missing in the refrigerator, and complimentary bagels and pizza bought in quantities enough for everyone disappear quickly. When that happens it is easy to assume a coworker is inconsiderate and greedy. But it could also be an individual who is hungry and their money isn’t theirs to spend.