Sarah Harrington texted me this photograph of the first wave of packages and food supplies that came to the Cambridge Food Pantry first thing in the morning. The Army of Good is extraordinary and quick to respond.

This is a new element to add to our work; it is timely and in the greatest need.

I thank you, and the food pantry thanks you and the people in need of good thank you.

I am just getting started with this program. Today, the Covered Bridge Bread company offered to send it’s excellent bread to the pantry if it sells later. I’ll pick it up and get it to the pantry.

I’m sure you all know that food pantries all over the country are calling out for help. Government subsidies during the pandemic are running out.

If experience is any guide, the packages have just begun to arrive.

Thursday, I’m meeting with Sumer Quickenton, a mother who depends on the pantry for food to feed her family. She also has two big and beautiful dogs to feed.

Several people, including Sumer,  have messaged me and suggested we ask for dog food donations; it is expensive, and the dogs (and cats)  are just as hungry as their families. So, I’m adding it to the list.

Summer has one child of her own but has had as many as seven children whose families are in trouble living with her. She’s had a rugged life and has been free of drugs for three years now, and she is determined to stay free of them.

This is happening all over the country.

If you can and wish to help the food pantry here – I am using our pantry to call attention to the urgency of the food needs around the country, you can send donations to The Cambridge Food Pantry, c/o Sarah Harrington, 24 East Main Street, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. 

If you need a phone number for Amazon, it’s 518 677-7152.

Here is a list of the greatest demand: food items and supplies that markets can’t or won’t contribute to the local pantries. Cases are the most helpful, but donations in any amount are welcome:

Chicken noodle soup is the most requested item in the pantry. Also desperately needed are mustard, mayonnaise, relish, cleaners like Windex, vanilla extract, chunky peanut butter, salt, baking powder, black pepper, grated parmesan cheese, bar soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby formula..

The number of families in food distress turning to food pantries has nearly doubled in recent years; it is still climbing rapidly. I have a good feeling about this work.

It is the perfect kind of help: small acts of great kindness. We can’t afford to take over people’s pain and need, but we can help in small ways that make a big difference. Food is one of them.

It’s a perfect project for the Army of Good and anyone out there who wants to do good to people with low incomes in a time of conflict and hostility.

Thanks so much for jumping aboard this new train; I know more packages are coming. Thanks so much. I’ll keep writing about it.