I appreciate learning about the foods Sarah asks us to get; I realize how little I know about the complexities and challenges of running a food pantry and, above all, of being one of the mothers and fathers who can’t keep up with food prices have to make decisions they never imagined they would have to make.

I’m also learning a great deal about nutrition, and the impact the foods we eat have on the body, as well as the children who suffer greatly from hunger and food deprivation.

Sarah has reasons for every food item she requests, but she often needs more funding to help people who need it or have to make awful choices.

Her relentless efforts to restock her shelves with variations of chicken soup, especially during the season when so many children get sick, is a testament to her commitment.  Your response is a testament to your big hearts.

She never stops advocating for her members, a cause we all feel deeply connected to.

So, I researched the nutritional value of the soups she seeks today, especially chicken soup. I was impressed. According to three medical studies, this is one of the healthiest soups or foods they can eat, especially this time of year when children are in close quarters with fewer opportunities to go outside. They get sick a lot. This is where soup comes in:

For example:

Vitamins and minerals: Chicken soup contains many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and K, iron, and essential fatty acids. 

“Soups are among the most popular foods here at the Pantry,” says Director Sarah Harrington. “With the cold season here, they are in great demand and trendy during the holidays.”

The parents say this helps their children avoid the inevitable colds, and if they get one, it builds their strength. They plead for these soups, and I hope we can help stock enough to get through the holidays when many kids get sick.

A lot of mothers say they help with colds.

Here are the two soups Sarah is asking us to help get to the food pantry.

Campbell’s Condensed Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup, 10.5 Ounce Can (Pack of 4), $3.99.

Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Creamy Chicken, And Dumplings Soup, 16.3 oz (case of 8), $17.34.

I was surprised. This is one of the most essential items we can get this time of year. We can fill Sarah’s shelves with these soups. This one makes a difference. I remember my grandmother pouring chicken soup down my throat if I got sick.

Another nutritionist said, ” Chicken soup helps your body do the work by giving it the necessary supplies.” Hopefully, she can help Sarah to help the families who turn to the food pantry for help.

It doesn’t fight the cold itself; it just helps the body by giving it the best environment possible to succeed. It’s got good vitamins, protein, and water content.  It helps your body do the work by giving it the necessary supplies.

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These canned foods are the weekend requests. Please feel free to browse the Cambridge Food Pantry Amazon Wish List at any time, day or night.

You can click any of the links here or gain access by clicking on the green “Cambridge food pantry” button at the bottom of any blog post.

You can make your own donation choices. Every item on the list is urgently needed and unavailable, and the soup shelves are empty.

Thank you.