Poverty is among us

Last week’s article (Sept. 1) regarding the state of the economy in regards to the Jewish community needs some clarification regarding Yachad-The Kosher Food Pantry.

The article stated that we service approximately 15 families each month. That figure only represents the private appointments Rabbi Mendy Wineberg or I see. These households can consist of a single person, or just as easily be a family with eight mouths to feed. Not included in these numbers are the families we see during our walk-in hours.

Then there is the food that goes out for Simcha Box, a joint project of Jewish Family Services and Yachad. This past week our volunteers visited 98 addresses and delivered 130 boxes accompanied with additional bags of fresh fruits, bread and reading materials. Many of these delivery stops have multiple recipients in the household. There are multi-generation families receiving up to three boxes along with the fresh items we include. Many of these families also receive WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) and/or food stamps and still find themselves lacking basics.

Recent publicity in The Chronicle has led to an increase in donations to help fill our shelves over these past few weeks. As we begin to celebrate the New Year, we hope those who are able will continue to participate in food drives sponsored by local congregations, and send in donations to help feed those who are hungry in our Jewish community.

Sherrill Parkhurst
Volunteer director
Yachad-The Kosher Food Pantry