This spreading of cost amongst the whole of society should really be the norm rather than the exception, particuarly for all the other essentials of human exist

This spreading of cost amongst the whole of society should really be the norm rather than the exception, particuarly for all the other essentials of human existence and dignity. For example, here in the UK we have a growing network of food banks who have stepped in to fill the needs of the many people who are in dire financial straits (and not just because of the pandemic - their use has been rising rapidly for the past ten years, due to right-wing austerity policies that have decimated the welfare state). These are almost all run by the third sector (charities, etc.) and they do excellent work in the circumstances. But coverage is patchy and uneven, and many families still suffer from food poverty. How much better it would be for us to have a National Food Service, with country-wide service guarantees such that everyone's nutritional needs can be met. No more wondering where your next meal is coming from, or starving yourself to feed your kids, or eating unhealthily because it's the cheapest option with the resources available. It's just provided as needed and the cost is shared. Indeed you may even have paid for it already with your taxes, or will do in the future. And a similar sort of thing should be done for housing, water, etc.