With the start of the Jewish New Year, it’s time once again to make sure the shelves are fully stocked in the Jewish Community Food Panty operated by Jewish Family Services.
Last year, JFS kicked-off the opening of its food pantry with a High Holiday Food Drive throughout the month of September to stock the shelves. More than 11,000 pounds of food donations came in, and JFS hopes to surpass that amount this year.
Since the food pantry’s opening last year, the number of households it serves has nearly doubled; the agency gives out more than 7,000 pounds of food monthly. The JFS Food Pantry provides non-perishable staples as well as grains, dairy, protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Both Vaad-supervised kosher and non-kosher food options are available, as are personal care and household items.
Recipients come in and “shop” on a monthly basis using a check list to assure they are getting healthy foods for a balanced, nutritional diet with some choice. Donations may be dropped off at the JFS office at the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park or at any Jewish congregation in the area throughout the month of September.
The following items are needed to restock the pantry:
Food Items
Canned Fruit
Canned Vegetables (sauerkraut, beets, mushrooms, spinach & olives)
Canned Tuna, Salmon & Chicken
Canned Beans
Coffee/Tea/Juice
Condiments (i.e., salad dressings, ketchup, bbq sauce, jelly)
Meals (boxes/cans such as Hamburger Helper or ravioli)
Pasta & Rice
Pasta Sauce & Canned Tomatoes
Peanut Butter
Soup
Sugar & Flour
Personal Care Items
Bar Soap
Shampoo & Conditioner
Deodorant
Lotion/Facial Moisturizer
Toothpaste
Cleaning Products
Bath & Kitchen Cleaners
Dish Soap
Laundry Detergent
Paper Goods
Diapers
Paper Towels
Tissue
The JFS Food Pantry serves any individual or household who lacks the resources to feed their family, regardless of religious affiliation or ethnic background. To become a food pantry recipient or donor, call JFS at (913) 327-8250.
Volunteers are also needed to help with the food pantry. Volunteers can help sort food donations, pick up donations from food drives and local grocery stores, organize and staff the pantry, make food deliveries to homebound clients, and assist clients who come to shop in our pantry. Extra volunteer shifts will be available the first week of October to sort and stock the pantry shelves with the High Holiday Food Drive donations. Call 913-730-1410 or email to sign up for the following shifts:
Tuesday, Oct. 1 — 10 a.m. to noon or 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 2 — 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 3 — 10 a.m. to noon or 3:30 to 6 p.m.
