Our support plan for the Cambridge Food Pantry has been astounding, transformative, and so successful that every single item sent in the past two weeks was eagerly and instantly taken by the people who came to the pantry needing food. We are making an enormous difference; the pantry’s staff and users are shocked and grateful.
We asked for popcorn for the kids, which came by the truckload yesterday. Thank you; the kids will be thrilled.
I met with Sara Harrington this morning, and I suggested we choose the most in demand and try to focus on one a day or more if you wish. I’m going that route. I buy one every item every morning and send it to the pantry. It is a powerful grounding tool for me; doing good always feels good, and many days, I can feel good spending pennies or just a few dollars on my wish list.
“I thought I was dreaming when I saw Campbell’s Chunky SoupClam Chowder,” said one of the customers. “It has clam chunks, something we love but can no longer afford. I can’t thank you enough, people.”
(Above are gift notes people sent from their Amazon orders. Most of the notes are from people as far away as Georgia, California, and even New Mexico, thanking us for letting them help. That’s what Americans are really like, not the hate-spewing losers on the news.
Sarah says she is getting so many boxes from Amazon that she’s leaving snacks for the drivers. Knowing its importance, it might be a good option for the Army Of Goods to pick several weekly items, one at a time.
So, let’s try out the new idea and see what happens. Sara says the item that disappeared the fastest was Campbell’s Chunky Soup Clam Chowder, 16.3 Oz Can (Case of 8). I sent two to the pantry via Amazon this morning. (If people wish to buy Clam Chowder from a different place, feel free to do so. The address to ship is The Cambridge Food Pantry, 24 East Main Street, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816. The phone number is 518 677-7152.)
(Update: Another Amazon truckload of food arrived at the Cambridge Pantry this afternoon (Monday). Sara sent me a list of the most wanted and taken food. I suggested putting up a daily reminder on the blog so people can use that as a guide. They need all of the items on the wish list. These are the most sought-after items; these are the ones that go out the fastest: clam chowder, beef ravioli, parmesan cheese, toothpaste, prego spaghetti sauce, and baked beans.)
The rest of the list is essential also.
I just learned that everything we sent is being taken home immediately. This means we are sending the right things. Toothpaste, formula, and diapers are also welcome but scarce. People went crazy over the clam chowder.
These are the things people miss the most and are the most eager to have. The pantry workers choose them all; they know what flies out of the pantry.
No supermarket will give chunky soup Clam Shower to a food pantry. It’s $14.43 a case. I like this idea of food of the day. We can ensure that what we send is what people most want and need. The toothpaste we sent was also a smash. People are also free to buy other things; these will all be scooped up.
You can view and buy items from the wish list here. The list will be constantly updated and always available. Thanks, and thanks.
