This news is unnerving, but the most important and revealing news anywhere. Yesterday, the Cambridge Food Pantry broke a record—they served 76 families in a single food service. Every week, the traffic to the food pantry gets bigger, and so does its importance to many people in turbulent times.
At the same time, the pantry’s food purchasing funds are getting lower.
As anyone reading this probably knows, people are anxious, and prices are still increasing. There are also more empty shelves after serving.
(The above photo shows unpacking boxes from the Regional Food Bank.)
Sarah does not freak out or get dramatic, but things are clear and likely to get even busier, and thus more challenging.
“At the end of every month,” she said, “our guests’ budgets are stretched. There is more need, and at the same time, our purchasing funds are low. It is tough to make ends meet.”
Sarah always focuses on her guests’ needs, and it’s also a very challenging time for a food pantry.
Our work in the Army of Good has never been more critical or needed, and it will be even more crucial in the coming months.
We will do what we can. We’re in for the long haul.
We can’t work miracles, but we are accomplished at doing good. I’m doubling my commitment to the food pantry; this is shaping up as the most meaningful work of my life. This is God’s work, and I give thanks every day for the people in the Army of Good and their goodness.
They aren’t magicians or billionaires, but they have the biggest hearts. The challenge goes on. Our help goes to helping the pantry get the food they desire, which makes an enormous difference in the lives of so many people.
Today, Sarah is seeking support for three items: Canned Peaches and Pineapple, and the urgent item is Canned Mixed Vegetables.
Food Support for today:
Del Monte Yellow Cling Sliced Canned Peaches in 100 % Juice, (Pack of 12 Cans), $19.76
Del Monto Pineapple Tidbits in 100 % Juice (Pack of 12) $16.38
Urgent item just below:
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Urgent Food For Wednesday.
Amazon Fresh, Canned Mixed Vegetables, 15 oz (Pack of 6), $8.04.
My AI research: The good news is that a vegetable’s nutritional value isn’t reduced during the canning or freezing process, making canned or frozen veggies just as healthy as fresh ones.
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Every item on the wish list is urgent and updated several times daily. Some people are adopting favored items and sending them when they can. You can access the Pantry Wish List anytime, day or night, either through the links above or by checking the green box at the bottom of every blog post.
Thanks for the messages; the pantry volunteers greatly appreciate them.
It’s beautiful to help people who have nowhere else to go. Your support means the world to them. This generosity has never been more needed; thanks for helping protect love. Helping the pantry gives significant meaning to me and, clearly, to you.
Please note Sarah’s increasing concern about the absence of space to store food, the freezing spaces falling apart, and the need for a new and small addition to make moving to storage and the shelves much easier.
She is skilled at seeking grant money; if anyone can do this, she can, but she needs all the support she can get. You can read about her new Cambridge Pantry extension project here.
I’ll send a contribution from time to time. She can do this, and I hope we can help: small acts of great kindness often lead to big things. This work is urgently needed.