As I woke up this morning, I was ignited by the urgency and significance of our work with the Cambridge Food Pantry. It is a pivotal moment in the illustrious history of the Army Of Good and a timely time in this country.

This is not just an opportunity; it’s a call to action. The Food Pantry has presented us with a substantial and meaningful opportunity that we must seize as individuals deeply connected to this cause.

Our efforts are not just about supporting a local food pantry but about making a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of needy people. By uniting under the banner of the Army Of Good, we send a powerful message of compassion and empathy that resonates far beyond our community, reminding us of the strength and impact of our collective action. In America, we help one another. In America, everyone ought to be able to eat.

(In the photo above, Sarah and Zinnia are now close friends.) I am eager to send Sarah chunky soups of two kinds.

Yesterday, Sarah Harrington put the food pantry’s original slogan on the wall she redesigned. It stuck in my mind:

“Our mission is to improve the lives of those in need by offering healthy food in an environment that honors the whole person.” We are committed to this guiding principle: upholding our work with the Cambridge Food Pantry as the Army Of Good. The times are pleading for it. I call it the compassion revolution.

Doing good is more important than ever. Honoring the whole person is what our country needs to hear and remember. It is what America is truly about.

I texted Sarah, the Pantry Director, this morning. My message said, “Give me something needed to push for today. I’m up for it and would love to send a message about its importance.”

As always, Sarah texted me back in seconds. She did not waste time or words; she is always right there. She didn’t have to think; she wrote, “Chunk soups, chowder, and pot pie flavors.”

I remember how I first worked with the refugee kids and Sue Silverstein. We clicked right away and did well together. We’re still at it. Thanks to a generous donor, the Army of Goods is paying for refugee tuition again this year.

That is Sarah; she got right into the spirit of it, no questions asked; there is no bullshit or diddling (I hate both) in her.

So I’m going for it. These soups are among the pantry’s most essential meal foods. They are nourishing and healthy and can fill a stomach, young or old. They are easy for harried mothers and fathers to serve. They are also inexpensive compared to what wealthy people eat every day.

I’m trying to make a point and show the world what people with great hearts can and want to do. This goes well beyond a single small-town food pantry.  I love the sound of chunky soups and two flavors: clam chowder and pot pie.

First: Campbell’s Chunky Soup, New England Clam Chowder, 16.3 Oz Can (case of 8). $15.68.

Second: Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Pub-Style Chicken Pot Pie Soup, 16.3 Oz Can (Case of 8), $15.68.

 

 

In this painful and divisive year, I feel called to do some real good, to get the pantry, which Sarah says she needs: lots of chunky soup. Seeing the volunteers at the food pantry work so hard and without compensation or complaint is inspiring. They are always there.

The Cambridge Amazon Wish List is updated daily. Currently, there are 11 items on the list, some as low as $2.98. You can browse the whole ist here 

But it is heartbreaking to see the families come in with their children embarrassed and grateful for their sudden inability to buy the food they always used to purchase. The things we are getting for them give them dignity, remembrance of better times, and hope for the future. Sometimes, they appear defeated. Our message is that they are remembered.

 

 

The soup will be gone soon enough, but still remembered. Doing good feels good, as so many of you have already learned.