As we approach the Fourth of July week, the situation at the Cambridge Pantry is, as usual, urgent. Families are in desperate need of food for the holiday, and the pantry is struggling to keep up. Below are some sobering statistics.

Director Sarah says they’ve been ‘cleaned out, ‘ and some shelves are emptier than ever. The pantry will be open for service every day but Thursday, and we need your help filling some of those empty shelves.

Any assistance, no matter how small, will make a difference and will be deeply appreciated.

For today’s request from Sarah: Baked Beans and Clam Chowder Soup, see the links below.

At the Army of Good, our philosophy is based on the idea of small acts of great kindness inspired by St. Terese and her good works for the poor.

We can’t supply everything the pantry needs; we can do the best we can, and so far, that is making an enormous difference. I can’t thank you enough.

People do what they can; no one is pressured to do what they can’t.

I’ve been going through the stats on hunger in America: Overall, one in eight households (12.8 percent) experienced what is called “food insecurity,” which in English means hunger. An estimated 44.2 million people live in these holds.

Here are Sarah’s requests for today:

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

Van Camp’s Original Baked Beans, Canned, 15 Oz, Pack of 12, $16.20.

(Sue and Sarah, hauling boxes)

I admit to being taken aback by the depth of the hunger crisis, but I am happy we have found a mission that will do so much good for a small amount of money. I hope we can help this holiday weekend.

According to Frac’s Hunger and Poverty site The Food Research And Action Center), one in 20 Americans (5.1) experienced “low” food insecurity, where households report regularly skipping meals or reducing intake because they could not afford more food. Over one in six families with children (17.3 percent) could not afford the food they need, an increase of 40 percent compared to 2021.