We’ve long feared government just gobbled up taxpayer money as fast as it was served up.

A recent investigative report by The Sun Herald newspaper on the Gulf Coast proves our fears are, literally, founded in reality.

The newspaper’s report shows that between fiscal years 2004 and 2011, state agencies paid $13 million for “food for business meetings.”

Taxpayer money in the public bucket labeled “food for persons” totals nearly $280 million, though that figure includes hospitals and other large group food programs that muddy the clarity of the records.

Few state government leaders other than State Auditor Stacey Pickering seem terribly bothered by the massive amounts of money funding public belly filling.

An example of the voracious public gluttony was seen in Attorney General Jim Hood’s meal receipts.

The newspaper reported Hood’s office averaged $103,500 per year in food purchases. Doing the math — and including all weekends and holidays — that’s $283.56 on food every single day of the calendar year.

Hood issued a statement defending the food spending by explaining the grub was for meals during training law enforcement officers, judicial employees and prosecutors.

Nearly everyone in state government has an excuse, but rather than jumping on the defensive, we wish state leaders would remember what it’s like to be a taxpayer and get angry.

Getting angry is the first step; the second step is doing something about all the spending.