This Thanksgiving week, I want to dedicate this post to the hard-working and committed volunteers of the Cambridge Food Pantry. They are always there and needed; they give me hope, along with the Army Of Good. They always rise to the challenge, which is sometimes jaw-dropping. They lift my spirits and remind me that many people care for their neighbors and want to help people with nowhere else to go when they get into trouble. No one can ever tell me that America is not about compassion and empathy at the heart.

We are always together as long as there are people like this around us. There are no politics in the Cambridge Food Pantry; only people need help and are willing to give it. Government support goes up and down, and volunteers are always there.

I am reminded of this every day I write about the food pantry, and thanks to all of you for your help.

I’m drawn to the feelings, history, and vibe of the Cambridge Food Pantry. I want to catch it before Sarah finishes modernizing it, something I am sure she will do. The mood is always rich and constantly changing. For the first time since I’ve been taking photos, some empty shelves are materializing, something I rarely saw while state and federal support was coming in. There is still support from food banks. Still, the support that came with the pandemic is leaving with it.

I can tell how much support the pantry gets from the number of empty shelves. They need some help now.

Nobody will be starving, but the pantry is under increasing pressure to focus on essential foods. The pantry is a challenging and resourceful place. Sarah is figuring out how to adjust. I hope the Army of Goodwill does everything to help her.

In the meantime, I’m doing a weekly Pantry Art post; it’s become a matter of love and meaning.

The pantry’s children’s wall is for parents who bring their children. Some have cell phones and computer pads.

Unpacking constantly continues at the Cambridge Pantry.

1 Per Family. They still run out.

The shelves are beginning to empty. The pantry is tough and resourceful. They always have to keep adjusting.

The pantry is a black-and-white place. Black and white capture souls.

Syrup and juice are getting empty. The pantry has experienced many ups and downs in its history. They will get through this one.

Getting low, two favorites, beef stew, and Campbell’s Mushroom Soup.