It was a truly special evening for Maria and me as we were invited to the Cambridge Food Pantry’s First Volunteer Appreciation Night. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful event and to share a meal and laughter with all of you.

As a fellow Cambridge Pantry Volunteer, I am deeply moved by the dedication, hard work, kindness, and passion that each of you brings to our cause. Your selfless work has an immeasurable impact on this community and others who pay attention.

The blog is read all over America.

(That’s me  and, Maria, on the left above)

It was a revelation for me to witness the sheer amount of work required to keep the food pantry healthy and operational. The continuous effort and dedication of these volunteers are truly inspiring, and it’s no wonder that people from all over are inspired by your work.

Each volunteer is the epitome of dedication and reliability. Despite not being paid, they never fail to show up when needed and never complain – just like the Army of Good.

Their commitment to our cause is truly inspiring, and I am honored to work alongside such wonderful and welcoming individuals and to be asked to stand with them for a photograph.

As the dinner began yesterday, Sarah Harrington announced that the Army of Good had sent 10,000 pounds of much-needed food to the pantry in the past few months. I was amazed, proud, and grateful. Thank you all once again.

A number of the volunteers asked me if I thought this kind of support could continue. My answer is just below.

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(Sarah’s urgent request for help getting these three items sent over the weekend is below. They are needed and were all gone by Saturday.

One: Maruchan Ramen Pork Flavor, 3.0 Oz (Pack of 4), $6.00.

Two: Nissin Top Ramen Noodle Soup, Beef (2 Ounce Pack of 24), $7.16.

Three: Nissin op Ramen Noodle Soup, Chicken, 3 Oz. (Pack Of 24), $6.98.)

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While I understand the concerns about the sustainability and cost of any food pantry, I am confident that with the continued support of good and caring people nationwide, we can help keep their doors open and continue to serve those in need.

This is about a lot more than one single food pantry.

I do believe it will continue; here’s why:

1. People all over America are sick of politicians lying, posturing, and fighting.

They want to be able to do what Americans have always done: lend a helping hand to people brought to their knees by bad luck, greedy corporations,  false political leaders, and the high cost of things.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to help a hungry child eat.

People want to do good and are drawn to the chance, and I know of no better cause right now than supporting the hungry and their children. The harder people work, the tougher it’s become. I am eager to help. As is obvious, not a penny comes to me or anyone but the pantry and the people who need help.

2. Sarah is a brilliant new leader for this pantry. She makes helping the needy as inexpensive and easy as I have ever seen it done. We work together as brother and sister.

Notice that none of these three items above costs more than $7.16. For a few dollars, we can get food to a pantry that will feed a family for days, even weeks. She scours Amazon for bargains and the best food she can find at the lowest cost. She is keenly aware that our movement is not wealthy.

People can choose the food they wish to send and send it with a click, often without shipping cost.

Several academic nutritions have criticized me and called me names  – ah, social media – for describing the food we order as healthy or nutritious.

I always reply in this way:

I am not a nutritionist; I do not tell food-challenged people what to feed their children, and I do not tell the pantry what to order.

They do what they can afford to do. My reply is this: the least healthy food possible is no food. Shouldn’t nutritionists, above all people, know this? No one who comes to the pantry goes home hungry or starving.

The pantry does its best, but it rarely can afford the food it wants or the food it asks for. It gets what it can and orders what it can afford. It would love to give every family organic and the healthiest food. When it can’t do anymore, it asks for help.

That’s our role here, as simple and clear as that. We help.

We can do as much good as this for a little cost and effort.

3. Our country is in turmoil, and many urgent crises – drugs, violence, hunger – go unchecked while politicians are on the phone raising money from billionaires and calling one another names. It’s not my job to point fingers at anyone, any party, or any ideology.

But I see that we can all come together on the problem, if not always the solution. We have never failed to help when asked and chose to try. What a joy it is for Sarah and me to see those Amazon boxes pouring in.

This challenge is simple. Hardworking, middle-class people are hungry; they can’t afford to feed their families. We do what we can.  And that is a lot. Ten thousand pounds of food is a lot of food. Wow.

4. The Army of Good was formed in 21o6 by people of all ages, colors, heritage, politics, and wealth.

We don’t place blame or promote conflict and division.  We don’t push or argue politics.

We believe that doing good is better than arguing about what good is. We’ve helped embattled and persecuted farmers, refugee children worldwide, and elderly people in assisted care, high school art programs, and Medicaid facilities.

Now, in 2024, this food pantry symbolizes to the world that the heart of America beats strong.

For this reason, the Army of Good will continue to support this food pantry as a message to the country beyond: people are going hungry, and we want to help.

I hope we can make the point this weekend by supporting Sarah’s request for three different kinds of  Ramen noodles to help these families put dinner on the table.

Thanks again for everything. I’m betting on you. Let’s let them know we are here to stay. We can get started here:

One: Maruchan Ramen Pork Flavor, 3.0 Oz (Pack of 4), $6.00.

Two: Nissin Top Ramen Noodle Soup, Beef (2 Ounce Pack of 24), $7.16.

Three: Nissin op Ramen Noodle Soup, Chicken, 3 Oz. (Pack Of 24), $6.98.

Thanks, Jon