Message: “Thanks to the Cambridge Pantry and the volunteers for supporting, it makes a greater difference than you might know. My sister is one of the women who needs help. Bless You.” – Jennifer, Army Of Good.

_____

Photo above: Mikayla helping unload the Pantry van:

_______

This Pantry Blog Support is devoted to the plight of American women, who are often the most victims of food issues –  rising prices, inflation, and reduced government support. Elderly widows, lower average earnings, and single mothers suffer the most in food crises like the one in America now. Details below. Help if you can.

_______

These are the items Sarah is requesting we help with if we can. No mothers ought to give up food to take care of their children or meet their own personal needs:

Tampax Pear Tampons, 47 Count, $11.44.

Amazon Basics Daily Pantiliners, Feminine Pads Long Length, 120 Count (3 Packs of 40), $7.74.

Maxi Pads For Periods, (1 Pack), $4.99.

________

The drastic reduction of aid for the food-challenged has hit people of all ages, genders, and colors. From what I’ve seen, women have been hit the hardest: single mothers, sudden and elderly widows,  divorced mothers, working mothers, and mothers with small children.

Many of the Pantry customers are working mothers with one or more jobs. Working multiple jobs makes it worse for their kids. The Cambridge Pantry, alone among food pantries I can see, saw this black hole and set up a women’s care section that has been a lifesaver for many mothers who work day and night but can’t keep up, and especially for widows with little aid.

Here at the Cambridge Pantry, we are filling the void with contributions from the Army of Good. The Pantry can’t afford these items now, the food banks don’t offer them, and the government no longer funds them.

I listed some of the reasons below.

The women of the Pantry work day and night to fill these shelves and address these needs. I am proud to work with them and call them friends.

___

The Reasons for Single-Mother Households. Food insecurity is nearly three times higher for single-mother households (around 34 percent) than in the general population.

“Mother’s Sacrifice”: Mothers often forgo their own means and personal needs to ensure their children have what they need.

Elderly Women: Women live longer than men and often live on fixed incomes (Social Security), which drives them to food pantries.

The Wage Gap: Lower average earnings leave many women with fewer financial cushions and options. Items like Tampax, Pantry Liners, and dental items are often too much for them to budget for. This is dramatically worse during periods like this one.

_________

The Cambridge Pantry is committed to supporting anyone in need of food and works diligently to support Women’s Care.

_______

I take great joy in supporting Women’s Care Day.

Below: Some of the women volunteers at the Pantry, working hard to support women and spread joy to the world.