During my absence, Sarah Harrington, the Executive Director of the Cambridge Food Pantry, showcased her relentless drive and resolve, propelling the pantry  into a significantly improved state. Her proactive approach to problem-solving was evident in her actions throughout the week. Above, the new distribution room.

Sarah’s list of popular foods the pantry is out of is listed here for the weekend:

(Skippy Super Chunk Peanut Butter, $31.28,  Peter Pan Creamy Peanut Butter,  $29.92, Chef Boyardees Beef Ravioli, $4.48.)

One notable change Sarah initiated was installing three new ceiling fixtures in the food distribution room. This room, which was often dimly lit, now radiates with brightness. We are in the process of acquiring a few more fixtures to enhance the lighting further. The room looks great now, but it is very different. Thanks for your help.

The impact of these changes was evident when I visited the pantry; the room was noticeably brighter and more inviting. (Thanks to the Army of Good for purchasing these new lights.)

Anything that makes picking up food at the pantry more comfortable and brighter is precious. Sarah is keenly aware of that. The idea is to ensure that people who need food will come and get it, be comfortable, and not feel neglected or stigmatized.

The most significant development of the week was Sarah’s successful acquisition of a new truck. This vehicle is not just a mode of transportation but a lifeline for the needy, as it enables us to haul food from the central pantry food bank in Albany and other locations. Thanks to Sarah, who moves very quickly,  the old truck, which was on the verge of falling apart, is now being put up for sale.

This is a significant improvement.

Not satisfied with the truck, Sarah went online and bought a classy black carpet for the same room, where people who need food come to take some home. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Sarah when she wasn’t hauling boxes of goods around, but she did an amazing job raising tens of thousands of dollars in an agricultural town in upstate New York—our town.

In addition, the Army of Goods sent a truckload of much-needed juice, soap, detergent, and other needed foods.   We’re working on peanut butter and ravioli today and through this weekend. The pantry is out of both, and both are very popular. You can find them stacked one, two, or three on the newly updated Pantry Wish List.

The foods are Skippy Chunk Peanut Butter, $31.28 (Pack of 12); Peter Pan Creamy Peanut Butter, Pack of 12, $29.92; and Chef Boyardee Beef Favaioli, (4 packs), $4.48.