Weekly meals for students and shift workers in Colombo

Since 2023, our volunteer team has run Neighbors' Pantry every Tuesday from the back of a school canteen. We started with 23 families, and now we feed 148 each week. Donations have dropped by about 54% this rainy season, while the line has grown every single week. We rely on volunteers - 18 of us - and keep no salaries or overhead. I buy staples at wholesale prices at the Colombo market and keep every receipt. Each $5 feeds a family of four for a week. All of the funds go to groceries, fresh produce, and cold-storage costs. Where the $400 goes: • Rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale): $130 • Fresh vegetables and fruit: $185 • Baby formula and diapers: $50 • Refrigeration and electricity: $35 With deep gratitude, Madushan