MoneyFood & hunger

Weekly meals for families facing hunger in Salem

Lakshmi runs a volunteer pantry feeding 358 families; this fund restocks shelves for the rainy season.

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Salem

Since 2023, our volunteer team has run the Sunday Shelf every Monday from the back of a community center. We started with 27 families, and now we feed 358 each week. Donations have dropped by about 49% this rainy season, while the line has grown every single week. We rely on volunteers - 19 of us - and keep no salaries or overhead. I buy staples at wholesale prices at the Salem market and keep every receipt. Each $10 feeds a family of four for a week. I'll post the weekly shopping receipts and a photo of the shelves each Sunday. Where the $550 goes: • Rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale): $180 • Fresh vegetables and fruit: $230 • Baby formula and diapers: $100 • Refrigeration and electricity: $40 I'll pay this kindness forward the moment I'm able to.

#food-pantry #hunger #volunteer-led #food

Updates from Lakshmi

Update from Salem: the plan for fresh vegetables and fruit is now scheduled. We're at 87% of the goal. Thank you for believing in us.
Wanted to say thank you properly. 65% funded and we've started the first stage.
Good news. Because of your gifts ($95 in total) I made the first payment toward rice, beans, flour and oil. Still a way to go but it feels less lonely.

Donations

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Oumou Kane 🇫🇷 · $25
“You got this. Please keep us posted. - Paris”
Alexandra F. Silva 🇬🇧 · $25
Anonymous 🇲🇽 · $75
Nan Zou 🇦🇺 · $50
“Sending love. Thought of Lakshmi all day after reading this. - Newcastle”
Lawrence H. Kelley 🇦🇺 · $5
“Hope things get better! - Sydney”
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“Wishing you the best. My brother told me about this one. - Mumbai”
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