Millions of Americans who live on the brink of hunger are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet as the winter’s record snowfalls hit many parts of the country. Nearly 70 percent of the households served by Feeding America report that their most common spending tradeoff was between paying for utilities or food, according to the organization’s recent report, Hunger in America 2014. One-third of households surveyed reported making this choice every month.
Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, which operates two Food Closets, has seen demand for food almost double over the past year. This past fall—from the High Holidays to Thanksgiving to Chanukah— JFS received an overwhelming amount of food donations from local congregations, area businesses and other community groups and individuals.
“Our shelves overflowed with jars of peanut butter, boxes of pasta, cans of tuna and vegetables and much more,” says Jody Laibstain, JFS volunteer coordinator. “We are so grateful to all who took the time to conduct food drives and to those who donated.”
But unfortunately, hunger is year-round and JFS’ shelves are starting to look bare.
“We urge everyone to remember JFS as they clean out their cupboards in preparation for Passover. We will gladly accept donations so we can continue to feed the many people who come to us every day,” says Laibstain. She suggests that donated items include cereal, peanut butter, canned tuna, soup, cleaning supplies and toiletries.
To donate, or for more information on organizing a food drive, contact Jody Laibstain at 757-321-2222 or MaryAnn Kettyle at 459-4640.
Jewish Family Service is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.