You can spread some love for hundreds of families facing food insecurity in Kansas City!
Each month, Jewish Family Services Food Pantry’s two locations supply food items and household goods to more than 950 families. To keep up with this increased demand, the JFS Food Pantry needs your help to keep shelves stocked.
During February — known as the month of love — JFS is asking the public to “Spread the Love” by donating peanut butter, almond and other nut butters, Nutella, jelly and other spreadables. Items can be dropped off in designated JFS Food Pantry barrels during business hours at the Jewish Community Campus in Overland Park or by appointment at JFS’ Brookside office.
February is the perfect time for to host a COVID-safe drive at your workplace, in your neighborhood, through your school or club — JFS has all the tools to help you make your “Spread the Love” drive safe and successful! JFS can drop off and pick up barrels or totes for your collection as well as provide materials including downloadable fliers, email templates, and online resources to help promote your drive at jfskc.org.
“We are looking for organizations and families to get creative this year while they “Spread the Love” to other families in Kansas City. It has been amazing to see the difference the Kansas City Community has made in response to COVID-19 and anticipate need will continue to grow,” said Jo Hickey, JFS food pantry director.
Ideas for a Contactless Food Drive:
Place food pantry barrel or bin in lobby of entry way of business, school or church.
Place food pantry barrel or bin on organizer’s front porch.
Host a hot cocoa stand — similar to a lemonade stand — to offer hot chocolate as thank you for everyone who brings food item or monetary donation.
Drop off bag with a note on neighbors’ doorsteps explaining the drive and indicating a date when you or other volunteer will return to pick up donations.
Host a virtual food drive by connecting employees or members of your group to JFS’s food pantry wish list through Amazon Smile. Items can be sent directly to JFS. Each month, JFS distributes approximately 900 jars of peanut butter. Jelly is also very popular, but too expensive for JFS to purchase through food networks. JFS hopes to collect 1,000 jars of peanut butter and other spreadables throughout February.
If you are able to host a “Spread the Love” food drive during February or are interested in holding a food drive another time, email or call Hickey at (913) 327-8257. JFS will drop off barrels or totes for your collection and pick up the donations at the conclusion of your drive.
