This morning marks the start of the most challenging year yet for the Annual Thanksgiving Cambridge Giveaway, more important than ever for families struggling with the rising price of everthing. It’s tough for farmers as well, prime local contributors for the Pantry. We’ve helped the last two years, but this year is tougher for everyone. But it’s needed more than ever.
They are struggling with tariffs, diesel, electricity costs, and other problems like food prices. I asked Sarah if she was planning the Giveaway this year, and she said Of course. But they can use all the help we can offer. Sarah is a genius at finding bargains and low prices; she is starting the Giveaway plans by asking for Green Beans’ support – 53 cents for a can of green beans – and listing other things they will need. This has always been a cherished community activity, and we are now part of the community; I’m proud to say so. She needs the beans for Pantry use now as well as for Thanksgiving. None of these requests today costs more than one dollar.
This is perhaps one of the most important and challenging tasks we are undertaking. I’m committed to it, as I know you are.
This is the first step toward a real Thanksgiving for people who struggle every day to feed their families. We expect bigger lines than ever.
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Amazon Grocery, Cut Green Beans, $0.53.
The Pantry also needs help with these foods:
Amazon Grocery Turkey Flavor Stuffing Mix, $.92.
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She has also added items to the Wish Li; we’ll present them step by step and regularly.
Amazon Grocery Jellied Cranberry Sauce, $1.55.
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Above. Mikayla, a treasured volunteer, and Sarah wash the potatoes grown by a local farmer for the Thanksgiving Giveaway.
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The Thanksgiving Giveaway takes place a week before the holiday. It includes a turkey and all the traditional fixings for dinner.
Pantry volunteers pack up bags to hand out in the evening. Cars line up as far as the eye can see; the bags go quickly.
This year, a farmer – Alexander Warshal from Eagle Bridge – grows potatoes for this event. Pantry volunteers wash them at the Comfort Food Community nearby; they will then be stored at a different farm, Alleged Farm in Easton. This is an almost sacred community event.
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Potatoes out of the ground.
The average price of diesel oil at the pump in New York State is approximately $6.51 per gallon.
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Mikayla is washing the potatoes. She loves to work and do good.
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The Pantry families have suffered enough; they really need a true Thanksgiving dinner for morale, children, and family.
Joy is just waiting to get to the table.
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In storage at a nearby farm, waiting for Thanksgiving.