June 16, 2025 newsletter

 

More info below the post

Good morning! How do you know it's Monday? The rain has moved out. How do you know it's Saturday? You know the answer! Was this our 13th or 14th Saturday morning in a row with rain? Nonetheless, it was a beautiful and event-filled weekend. I would be very interested to hear how all of you spent it, if you care to share. I was at the pantry, along with Melanie, Tina, and a couple of our teen volunteers, and we had 13 newcomers. One family came from almost an hour away as an emergency measure because they didn't know where else to go, but I sent them some links to pantries closer by their home. Not that they aren't welcome to come see us anytime they want, but I think the others will be more convenient for them.

I want to talk about cookies :-) Our cookie bakers are just the best! Every two weeks or so, they heat up the oven, even in the summer, and bring forth delightful little bite sized discs of flour, sugar, egg, and amazing flavorings. Or sometimes bars of the same. Out of everything that we are blessed to be able to share with our neighbors, the cookies are ALWAYS the most remarked on and the most likely to bring a vulnerable new person to tears. I hope all of the cookie bakers understand how much this gift of their time and talents means to people. In a way, the cookies symbolize everything that Stone Soup Kitchen is about. So thank you! And if any of you reading this would like to get involved, as often or as frequently as you choose, let me know and I'll get you in touch with Laurie S.

Here are a few things that you'll want to know about, and maybe take action or spread the news to neighbors who might need to know. First, this summer, SNAP is starting up SUN BUCKS, previously known as Summer EBT. It is a new permanent federal program that helps low-income families with school-aged children buy groceries when schools are closed for the summer. It can be used to buy food wherever SNAP is accepted. If you or someone you know are receiving SNAP benefits for your family and have school aged children, please make sure you are signed up properly for SUN BUCKS for the summer!
https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/ I've attached some flyers on the program to this newsletter.

Melanie P sent me a link to a report released by the Governor, detailing the impact of Federal funding cuts on Massachusetts. There is a link on this page if you wish to report how the cuts have impacted you directly, or an organization in which you serve. Please just be aware that anything you report through this (or any other) governmental page becomes public record.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/impact-of-federal-funding-cuts-on-massachusetts

If you can shop for us this week, we are a bit low on a few items: baked beans, ramen noodle packets (any flavor except for shrimp, please), apple juice, coffee, shampoo, and conditioner. Those last two items are for our personal care bags. We can take drop-offs at the pantry (through the gray door next to the parking lot on Cambridge Street) on Wednesdays from 10 to noon, Fridays from 4 to 5, and Saturdays only from 9 to 10. Please do not leave food at the door outside of these hours. The bin is always available at Shop n' Save if those times don't suit. Please leave a note in the bag with your name so we know whom to thank! We are located at 21 Washington Street, Suite C, Ayer MA 01432

Thank you to all of you for your help, support, and love...I love you all, and will talk with you again in two weeks!