Exciting news from the Cambridge Food Pantry! Judith Feely, one of the kindest and most generous members of the Army of Good, contacted Sarah Harrington (Pantry Director) with the very thoughtful idea to introduce some small pet foods to the new pantry “store,” which is also now offering pantry kitchen utensils. This week, two big boxes of food arrived. They are on the shelves. This is an experiment to consider.
Sarah is looking at ways to access a slightly expanding idea of what the food pantry can offer. The new items – the kitchen utensils- are meant to be valuable items that help families live comfortably and with the tools they need to live with support and dignity.
Judith generously paid for two large boxes of small cat and dog food, free to the Pantry’s families on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sarah wants to consider offering pet food, but figuring out how and what it will cost will take some time. This is a one-time gift for now, but the pantry has its full attention.
The families would undoubtedly love it, and the Army of Good Families might also like to contribute to or donate food. Even the smaller amounts can be $20 for a case or more. That is a lot more than the average Wish List price for food.
The pantry’s primary mission is people; ironically, food support is much less expensive than dog and cat food supplies. From my work with animals, I know they are enormously important to the well-being, good health, and morale of the families and children struggling with food poverty. They often bring significant meaning to their people.
Sarah was excited to receive the pet food donations, which are now on the new “store” shelves alongside the kitchen supplies flying off the shelves.
I suspect the cat and dog cans will follow. Sarah has some exciting ideas about broadening the support the food pantry is giving its patrons. Judith Freely is an angel, and her generosity and the generosity of the Army of Good have opened some exciting new doors and made new and groundbreaking things possible.
Sarah is keenly tuned into what the families need and want, and the Amy of Good is helping her try new things to aid and support the food-deprived.
We’re not including pet food on the wish list at this time. Price is a complex issue for the pantry; ironically, pet food boxes cost much more than boxes of people’s food.
We’ll discuss this and determine whether and where it fits in. Of course, Sarah Harrington will make that decision, but we will discuss it. I love the “store” idea of defining support a little more broadly than just food from the pantry food banks. However, there are also severe space limitations, especially with the Army of Good jumping in the way it has. And the pantry’s new store doesn’t mean people are paying for the latest items.
Judith Feely’s wonderful donation is on the shelves for tomorrow’s service. It will be interesting to see the response. I can guess what it might be. The last time pet food was put up, it disappeared immediately. I can’t thank you enough, Judith Feely; your generosity is precious and inspiring. Thanks so much. This experience is underway, and there is a lot to talk about.
Wow! Bless Judith for that wonderful suggestion regarding helping these lovely people feed their beloved pets also! Always such difficult choices to be made for people with limited means…….and I trust many will benefit and rest easier knowing they can nourish their beloved animals as well as themselves and their families! I’m VERY on board with this one, big time! Wonderful idea, Judith- hugs to you many times over!!!!!!!!!!!!
Susan M
What’s ironic about the fact that pet food is more expensive than human food? Human food is in wider demand; therefore, its price is lower. You don’t seem to have a grasp of basic economics or, for that matter, the meaning of the word “irony.” Study up, Jon!
Thanks for the message Charles you missed the whole economic issue, see you in class. It’s quite obvious why there is a price difference and we are finding that some pet food can be found that is as cheap or cheaper than people food. It’s about packaging quite simply. Pet foods that are inexpensive are now on the list.
Pets are so important to everyone and helping out to care for them mean less animals are dumped at shelters and on the streets because people find it hard to make a choice between their children and their pets. Perhaps folks who can afford it can donate a package of dry food on a regular basis.
That’s the plan, Geoegeanne they already are..