JFS is seeking more food drives to keep pantry shelves stocked
There’s nothing like a warm cup of cocoa on a wintry day, and that’s exactly what the Feinberg family offered to encourage donations for the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry.
Ten-year-old Dahlia Feinberg and her 6-year-old sister Eva, with the help of their mother Samantha Feinberg, recently put together a little food drive on the driveway of their Prairie Village home. They were looking for items not covered by the government food program SNAP — things like toothpaste, shampoo and soap.
“We thought since it is getting cold outside, we could sell hot cocoa, but instead of money we could get items, “ Dahlia said.
The Feinberg girls have been helping the JFS Food pantry in their own little way since the summer. Samantha Feinberg used the opportunity as a teaching moment for her children.
“At the beginning of the pandemic we were very privileged because both my husband and I had secure jobs, with a reliable flow of monthly income and we were able to work and keep the kids home,” she said. “We explained to the girls that we were donating money and food items to local pantries, including JFS and smaller local pantries in our PV neighborhood because not everyone had secure jobs and income or safe childcare so that they could go to work, which made it hard to keep up income. So, at that point they decided to do a lemonade stand with proceeds donated to JFS.”
With colorful, hand scribbled signage, the young sisters offered two cups of hot cocoa for every one donated item. For those who didn’t have an item, the girls suggested a donation of one dollar. By the time the afternoon was over, donations filled several grocery bags — enough for three carloads — and the girls collected $130 to donate to JFS’ Food Pantry!
“I think the girls did a great job,” said Feinberg of her daughter’s efforts. “They planned out what supplies we needed, designed signs and helped make the cocoa. When it was over, they helped load the donations into the car and clean up.”
Through its two pantry locations, JFS is providing more than 900 families with food on a monthly basis. That’s more than double the number of people served before the pandemic began. The JFS Food Pantry needs food, nonperishables (toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, etc.) and personal care items (soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.) on a regular basis. Fifty percent of the food JFS provides each month comes from drives such as the Feinbergs’ effort.
JFS is encouraging members of the community to consider a hosting a food drive. While the Feinberg girls used their favorite winter drink to promote their food drive, you too can be creative! Despite the pandemic, anyone can safely host a JFS food drive — individuals, businesses, organizations, schools, youth groups and neighborhoods. JFS has a toolkit to help you put on a safely-distanced drive. JFS will provide promotional materials to help promote your drive including posters, email templates and social media posts.
In February, JFS will “Spread the Love” seeking spreadables for the pantry — peanut butter, almond butter, etc. — so now is the time to jump onboard to battle food insecurity in Kansas City.
If you would like to host a food drive, please email or call Food Pantry Director Jo Hickey at 913-327-8257. JFS will also drop off barrels or totes for your collection and pick up the donations at the conclusion of your drive.
