As families prepare to gather around the table for Thanksgiving, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is working hard to ensure no one’s plate is empty. With cuts to social service programs, this work is more important than ever. Here are five things to know about how the Jewish Federation is fighting hunger at home, all while lending a hand to those in need around the world. 

We’re Combating Poverty & Hunger

“The need for social services has never been more urgent, and our community’s generous spirit has never been more evident. Thanks to our partners, donors and volunteers, we continue to deliver nourishment and dignity to those who need it most in the Greater Philadelphia area and in Israel.”

 – Michael Balaban, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President & CEO

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia believes that access to food is a right, not a privilege. That’s why we fund organizations and operate our own Mitzvah Food Program to address basic needs, including making sure individuals and families have culturally sensitive and nutritious food at their table. 

This past year:

• 1M+ pounds of fresh, frozen and nonperishable food provided to nearly 8,000 individual clients through the Mitzvah Food Program.
• 2.6M meals, food packages and hygiene kits provided locally and in Israel.
• 415,000 individuals served weekly by Leket Israel.

To see some of the Jewish Federation grantee organizations that need your help this winter, click here. 

To learn more about our impact to care for those in need, click here. 

We're Offering Dignity & Nutrition

“Food should not be taken for granted. It's only one paycheck away where you may be in a situation like I am in. I truly believe that G-d brought me to the pantry for a reason.”

 –  Taneka, Mitzvah Food Program Client 

The Jewish Federation’s Mitzvah Food Program has been in operation since 1996, providing nutritious fresh, frozen and nonperishable foods to individuals and families in Greater Philadelphia.

Unique to the Mitzvah Food Program is its choice-based model. Clients are allotted a number of points that they can use to select what foods they will receive with more nutritious options being less points as a way to encourage more balanced diets.

Last year, the program distributed more than 40,000 packages to people in need at its four pantry sites. To find out more about the Mitzvah Food Program, click here. 

We’re Responding to SNAP Cuts

“In a time of food crisis and reduced SNAP benefits, true partnership makes all the difference. We are very grateful for the Mitzvah Food Program and your steadfast commitment to feeding our community. Together, we are stronger and making a lasting impact.”

 –  Executive Director George Matysik, SHARE Food Program

Food insecurity is deepening at a pace that alarms even those who have worked in social services for decades. With the instability of SNAP benefits from the recent government shutdown, which has now thankfully been reopened, thousands of families across our region are still left with impossible choices: groceries or medication, heat or rent, feeding children or feeding themselves.

Throughout this uncertainty, the Jewish Federation is stepping in and stepping up to meet the rising needs in our communities. Through the Jewish Federation's Mitzvah Food Program and our strategic partnership network, we’re expanding distribution and deepening outreach at this urgent moment. Read our official statement on funding cuts by clicking here. 

We’re Providing Thanksgiving Joy 

“We've been receiving food from the Mitzvah Food Program for a while, and we really appreciate our home delivery with all the fresh fruit and vegetables as we have a vegetarian diet. Especially during the holiday season… we are grateful for all of the fresh produce and the low sodium foods."

– Harriet, Mitzah Food Program Client 

Just in time for Thanksgiving, all four Mitzvah Food Program pantry locations, and thanks to our partners at Philabundance, we will be giving out 506 turkeys, cornish hens and chickens, including kosher and non-kosher options, to clients. Food packages will also include shelf-stable, holiday dinner staples like cranberry sauce and canned yams, thanks to a contribution from the SHARE Food Program.

To learn more about our Thanksgiving distribution, click here.

We’re Addressing Hunger in Israel 

“The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has been one of Latet’s closest and most loyal partners, always by our side, through every challenge, every crisis, every moment that matters.”

– Gilles Darmon, Latet’s Founder & President

Between the war and rising inflation, food insecurity in Israel has risen to alarming levels, with nearly 29% of families and 39% of children now living in poverty.

The Jewish Federation is proud to support Latet, Israel’s largest nonprofit tackling hunger and poverty, to expand its vital relief efforts and serve more than 100,000 Jewish households, including Holocaust Survivors who are living without reliable access to food and critical needs. 

Find out more about how we are aiding those in Israel by clicking here.