By Executive Director Debbie Zoller, MSW, LCSW
More than 7 million people nationwide including millions of children, people with disabilities, and older adults are at risk of losing at least some of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP reductions, as well as other federal cuts, have resulted in increased demand for food from food pantries across the country. This shortfall is already having an impact on the JFS Community Food Pantry (CFP) and the largest provider of food to the CFP, Second Harvest.
Food pantry coordinator Doug Trachtman worries about having enough food for our clients. Over this past year, JFS served 1,054 individuals in 293 households, distributing over 81,000 pounds of food. Staples like cereal, pasta, and spaghetti sauce have run out. Even with donations from local sponsors such as Giant, Wawa, Not Just Bagels and Wegmans, JFS is looking to fill the gaps.
“This is an uncertain time. The reduction in SNAP benefits are hurting clients, and families who rely on the Community Food Pantry. Some of our clients have shared that they don’t eat so that their children have food. Foundations are under increasingly more pressure to support nonprofits. More than ever, we are reliant on acts of kindness,” said Debbie Zoller, executive director.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- Diapers and wipes are not covered by SNAP and JFS is always in need of sizes 5, 6 & 7
- Donate unexpired food in collections boxes at the JCC, Temple Beth El and B’nai Shalom
- Order the Pantry Item of the Month through the Amazon Wish List
- Make a donation at https://jfslv.org/give/
If you know someone living in the 18104-zip code or a community member who could benefit from the Community Food Pantry, call Doug Trachtman at 610-821-8722.
Eblast and Hakol message July/August