Letter: Eating contests are disgusting

As soon as I saw the Explore LI cover story "Fast food: The voracious world of competitive eating" [Sept. 13], I knew I'd be writing this letter. I am repeatedly disgusted when I see stories on this most repulsive "sport."

Putting aside the hunger problem that exists in faraway lands like Africa, many are unaware that hunger is a problem right here on Long Island. As a volunteer and advisory board member of Island Harvest, a nonprofit organization, I see firsthand the hungry families whom we help stock their kitchen cabinets. A recent hunger study revealed that 283,700 Long Islanders, including 110,000 children, obtain food via pantries and other feeding programs.

I have never been able to understand the allure of overeating; it is disturbing on so many levels. I can only imagine what senior citizens must think of this "eatertainment." After surviving the Depression, various wars and living with rationing, etc., many senior citizens on Long Island are again in need of food in 2011.

And what about the younger generation? We're teaching them that waste and gluttony is something to be lauded? I can assure you that helping to feed your neighbor is much more rewarding than seeing how many hot dogs one can stuff into his or her mouth.

Loretta Sehlmeyer, Dix Hills