Thanksgiving is often parodied as a holiday of gluttony and excess.

For many families blessed with abundance, it’s probably true. There’s a turkey, maybe a ham, potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie and a whole litany of good eats particular to every family’s tradition.

We should be thankful today for what we have. And we should remember those among us who are less fortunate.

According to a report from the Agriculture Department, almost 13 million American families last year didn’t have enough to eat or were worried about their next meal. In a country where farmers are paid not to grow food, a country with the greatest concentration of wealth in the world, with limitless innovations and energy, we shouldn’t still be talking about hunger.

In 2003, about 12.6 million households had at least one person who lacked what the report calls “food security,” up slightly from 2002 when the number was about 12 million. That translates into 36 million people – and 13 million children – who either went hungry or worried about the possibility.

The hunger report follows information from the Census Bureau that showed that poverty also grew last year, up 1.3 million people to almost 36 million. It was the third consecutive year that the number of Americans living in poverty has increased.

The working poor make up a large portion of those who worry about having enough food or go hungry. They often do important work that pays a pitiful wage. Imagine, child-care workers struggle to feed their families because their job – taking care of kids – is low-paying.

Gov. Baldacci often says that the very best social program is a good job. On that score, the 700 new jobs coming to Waterville announced last week is welcome news. T-Mobile will open a call center, with average salaries around $35,000 per year.

Today, as we pull ourselves up to tables of plenty, we should add to our lists of things to be thankful for those 700 new jobs that could help families find a more secure future. We should also remember the millions of men, women and children who, on a day that celebrates a bountiful harvest, are left out.