Today, Carol continues her hot and canned food campaign for the coming winter, the holidays, and beyond. These two inexpensive items can make a massive difference to stressed families struggling to get meals they can’t afford.

I only learned recently that many of these families have no stoves for various reasons; many are crowded into small apartments or former motel rooms with no stoves. These foods can keep their children warm and are simple to cook.

Please help them if you can.

I’ve done my homework. Spaghetti and meatballs can be a healthy dinner for kids—especially in the winter—when prepared with wholesome ingredients and eaten in moderation (lots of calories).

Since many pantry families do not have stoves or working stoves and often control their use of heat, these foods have a special meaning for families and children.

They are warm and filling and easy to cook on hot plates.

When people talk about small portions, this is often a luxury pantry and food-challenged families can afford. Meals have to last, they usually need to be warm and/or filling. No pantry or pantry family can afford to purchase high-end organic food, costing up to five times as much as commercial food.

Please help if you can. Here are Sarah’s choices. She is on a drive to store some canned food for the cold weather.

Chef Boyardee Spaghetti and Meatballs, 14.5 Oz Cans, Pack of 4, $4.48.

Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli 15 Oz., 4 Pack, $4.48.

You can access the Cambridge Food Pantry Amazon Wish List by clicking on any link here or the “Cambridge Pantry ” green food button at the bottom of every blog page.

The wish list is updated daily, and everything is urgently needed. Please browse it if you can, you can decide what you want to donate, and thanks.