As food prices continue to rise and benefits such as SNAP decrease, more neighbors are struggling to put meals on the table. In fact, Jewish Family Service’s Food Pantry has seen a significant increase in visitors—people who never imagined they would need to ask for help. Some local food pantries have even had to close their doors due to low supplies.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, JFS has been able to stay open and continue serving the community, but the need is growing every day.
JFS staff has met people such as Fred*, who had been surviving on saltines and tap water for two weeks before JFS was able to deliver bags of food until he could visit the Food Pantry in person. And Shelly*, a mother of five, who came to JFS not only for food but for something as basic as toilet paper—something her family had gone without for weeks.
These stories are heartbreaking, but they are also reminders of the difference generosity makes.
Each year, JFS provides families with all the ingredients needed for a full Thanksgiving meal — including a frozen turkey and all the fixings — so that everyone in the community can share in the warmth and comfort of the holiday.
This year, a record 250 families have already signed up to receive Thanksgiving bags — more than ever before, and that’s with weeks to go until the holiday.
Help is needed to make sure no family goes without a holiday meal. JFS requests that as people plan their own Thanksgiving dinner, they consider donating pantry items or making a monetary contribution to JFS. Every can, box, or dollar helps fill another family’s Thanksgiving table.
Each Thanksgiving bag will include: A frozen turkey, canned green beans, corn, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, yams, boxed stuffing, instant potatoes, macaroni and cheese, fried onions, pie filling or cake mix, fresh produce including sweet potatoes, white potatoes, and onions.
Currently, there are limited supplies of many of these items, so every donation makes a difference.
Donations may be left in the box outside of the Sandler Family Campus entrance or by calling Brooke Rush at 757-321-2238 or Emily Krouse at 757-321-2227 to schedule a delivery or pickup.
*Not their real names.