We have been working with the Cambridge Food Pantry for more than a year, a miracle given the changes and anger in the rest of the country. Your generosity has been noticed by this community, communities nationwide, and anyone who cares about needy neighbors.
The staff at the food pantry often calls the Army of Good a blessing; they have never seen anything like it.
I know these next weeks may be tough, but speaking only for myself, I’m not going anywhere, and I’m not discouraged, just prepared.
This relationship has kept many people going and feeling better about their lives. The people who help people this way are the blessed and fortunate.
We might have to adjust, but I know in my heart we won’t quit. Sarah is a fiercely optimistic warrior, committed to a powerful cause. I am committed to her.
We will figure it out, even if things have suddenly gotten hairy. This work has been the best work of my life.
(Note: The Ramen Shelf is just about empty for the first time.)
I wondered when the fear and confusion would affect the shelves here, as they have affected non-profits everywhere. It’s time. Food pantries are struggling nationwide as government aid is eliminated and donors are frightened.
“Things are getting scarce,” said Sarah, a master of understatement. For her, that’s an alarm.
Looking at the shelves that house our most frequent and familiar items, I’ve seen something I have not seen this deeply before: empathy, community, and generosity. We have reenacted the action call for people of good hearts to care for those with nowhere to go.
Thanks to you, the pantry has been well stocked in recent months, “we are getting low,” says Sarah.
I want to share this new and inevitable chapter with you, as we have been honest with one another for a long time. It’s unavoidable, really; this is the test of us. Things can’t be great all the time. But I don’t see us melting away.
Sarah asks for Ramen support, beef, pork, chili flavors, and chicken ramen. “Each donation goes a long way now. ” She said there was always plenty of Ramen on the shelves; it’s chilling to see them empty now.
Whatever else happens in the coming weeks, I believe it will get a lot better soon—corporations, billionaires, and governments need money; they can’t exist long without it. They will make peace with one another.
I would love to see a burst of life at its very best, to load the shelves with Ramen to remind us what we must care for ourselves and our families, but we can’t let these abandoned people be forgotten. I see it as a signal that we’re hanging in there.
Today’s items: You can buy anything on the list, but first, fill the Ramen shelves again.
“NEXT ITEMS, says Sarah, “Ramen, Ramen, (Beef, pork chilli flavors, chicken Ramen (urgent items). “We’ve been stocked for a long time, but now we are getting low. Each donation goes a long way.
Marjuchan Fanem Chilli, 3 oz, 24 Count, $7.20.
Ramen Noodle Soup, Chicken, $6.98.
I am no prophet. However, as a former journalist and political writer, I suspect this period will last for months or weeks. Still, it will get dramatically better as the scores of governments involved start talking seriously with one another.
In the meantime, how can we help those who have come to depend on us for eating? Donations are drying up on my blog, in the country, the pantry world, and anything remotely resembling charity.
These are very tough days for low-income people; we must protect ourselves and our families. We can start this chapter inexpensively but powerfully by getting some Ramen, a hugely popular food among pantry customers, back on the shelves.
I will stick with this, this is a fantastic cause and means more than the obvious to many people. We have been a light in the dark, shining the torch for goodness, generosity, and empathy in a cynical and divided country.
Helping hungry people eat has been one of the most meaningful things I have done in my life, and life is full of challenges and bumps. That’s when I get creative.
Whatever we can do is the best, which is good enough.
Sarah is always looking for Amazon bargains. Most of us can handle buying $2 to $7 items, more if we are able, but not if we can’t afford it. We will continue to seek out the BARGAIN items on Amazon.
So do what you can and keep hope alive. Please protect the life we stand for as well as your own. I know things are getting tough.
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.
I don’t have the heart to back off from this problem. But we must decide and do what is best for us and our families.
This is an idea that may flicker once in a while, but for my part, I’m not letting the flame in me go out. And I don’t believe Armageddon is around the corner—just some rugged weeks.
I’m heading to the computer to buy some Ramen.
