Most families coming to the Cambridge Pantry and other pantries are single mothers. They go through diapers quickly, and diapers are a constant need. One reason the pantry is running out is that the government food banks that bring food every week don’t offer diapers; all diapers offered at the pantry must come from outside donors.
The pantry budget and resources, which are permanently slim, have taken a massive hit from reductions in government aid offered during the pandemic, which recently stopped. And that is not going to get better. It’s a constant need that has worsened the search for diapers.
This is one of the pantry’s most challenging problems. A Diaper Emergency. Here are the diapers Sarah says are popular and urgently needed (She also seeks help in getting some Diced Potatoes, see below:
Pull-up Girls’Potty Training Pants Size 3T-4T Training Underwear 32-40 labs 20 Count, $9.97.
Huggins Size Newborn Diapers, Skin Essentials Baby Diapers, 96-9lbs, 31 Count, $9.94.
Beyond that, more and more women are coming to the pantry for help, and infliation is still increasing. Some economists insist the economy is booming, but it hasn’t shown up in these homes and families, nor is it helping the pantry and its donations.
The weather has not helped—kids are staying indoors more, schools have closed early because of the weather, and the need for more fuel for heat has ravaged budgets. Babies can’t be shorted in that.
We have been successful and transformative focused on providing items and some healthier foods and necessities (bless you), the ones the pantry can’t afford to pay. Ecomomists who send me messages demanding expensive organic food seem not to know that nobody involved can afford that now. They do the best they can with what they have.
Diapers are not an optional choice for the mothers here, they have to have them, for familes with little or no money that forces some awful decisions.
I asked Sarah if she would like more diaper support and she said yes. The pantry keeps running out, and they are now at one of their lowest points.
Let’s see if we can help. I urged Sarah to let us know when the diapers are running out. The women patrons at the pantry thank you heartily for your help.
If the news is upsetting you, you can skip it. However, could you send a message of support from Amazon’s checkout page to the hardworking volunteers at Cambridge Food Pantry? You will feel better, honest. You can browse the pantry’s Amazon Food List here or click the green button at the bottom of every log post.
In the diaper emergency, we pushed aside Sarah’s initial request for fresh cu Diced Canned Vegetables:
Del Monte Fresh Cut Diced Canned Potatoes, Canned Vegetables, 12 Pack, 14.5 Oz Can, $19.08.
If your budget will support it, the pantry can use it.
According to my health advisor, AI Overview, “Cut and diced potatoes are considered healthy, as they are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, especially when the skin is left on; however, the cooking method and portion control are important factors to consider to maintain their nutritional value.“ Potatoes are also low in calories, contain no fat or cholesterol, and are a good source of Vitamin B6. Thanks for all you are doing to help these people in need.