In this month's FedFive, we take a closer look at how the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia combats hunger through our overall mission, Mitzvah Food Program and work in Israel. 

During this season of gratitude, we are thankful for you — our community. It is your support that makes it possible for the Jewish Federation to Care for Those in Need Locally, Support Israel and Global Jewry, and Secure a Vibrant Jewish Future.

From all of us at the Jewish Federation, we wish you a happy and meaningful Thanksgiving. 

Caring for Those in Need Locally

"We are grateful for our community's support. Your commitment to caring for those in need allows us to make a significant impact in the lives of so many around the world. We are also thankful for our grantees and partner agencies that do the hard work to make a difference." 

– Chief Strategy & Impact Officer Kelly Romirowsky

We firmly believe in the Jewish value of “Ve’ahavta le’reyakha kamokha” or “Love Your Neighbor As Thyself.” In enacting this vision of advancing the lives of those who are underrepresented, at-risk, and struggling, we fund and collaborate with partner agencies that lead holistic socioeconomic initiatives and services that help people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Within this pillar of our work, we support initiatives and programs that focus on:

• Self-Sufficiency - Programs that support independence.
• Food Security and Basic Needs - Programs that provide free or low cost meals or food packages to adults and families unable to access enough food on their own.
• Older Adults and Holocaust Survivors - Programs focused on providing assistance and support to those over the age of 60 related to health and wellbeing.

Providing Nutritious Food Year Round

“The Carole Landis Foundation for Social Change has supported the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Mitzvah Food Program since 2015, because it matches our mission of fighting food insecurity and supporting the Jewish community. We believe that those in need, including Holocaust Survivors, must have access to healthy, nutritious food that is also compliant for dietary or medical conditions, which the Mitzvah Food Program is able to provide.” 

- Carole Landis

Since 1996, the Mitzvah Food Program has served food insecure individuals and families in Greater Philadelphia. Operating out of four pantry sites in Old York Road, Main Line, Bucks County and Northeast, recipients can select their own fresh, frozen and nonperishable food with kosher options through a points system that incentivizes healthier eating. A choice-based model, the Mitzvah Food Program recognizes that those in need may be unable to eat items from prepackaged boxes due to cultural, health or personal preference reasons.

The Mitzvah Food Program meets clients where they are at when it comes to need. The program has two bilingual licensed social workers, who help clients in English and Russian select and receive their nutritious food. 

In Fiscal Year 2024, the Mitzvah Food Program provided nearly
1.1 million pounds of food, including 335,000+ pounds of fresh produce, to more than 7,000 people. 

Click here to learn more about the Mitzvah Food Program. 

Making the Holidays Special for All

“The turkey I received last year provided me the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with my cousin. I live alone and the holidays are difficult for me. I rely on the Mitzvah Food Program to supplement all my food and it is very much appreciated.”

Feeding More Families With a Match

“Never worry that you are doing too much to help others. You are doing too little if you can do more.”

- Gene Epstein 

We are thrilled to announce that through Giving Tuesday, your gift to the Mitzvah Food Program will be matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000 – thanks to the generosity of the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund. 

Click here to make your gift go further this holiday season.

Combating Food Insecurity in Israel

"Our partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is fundamental. Their support enables us to mobilize resources quickly, so we can extend our reach and sustain help for families facing unimaginable hardship.” 

- Leket CEO Gidi Kroch

In addition to local work, the Jewish Federation is focused on combating food insecurity in Israel by supporting organizations like Leket Israel, Israel's national food rescue organization. 

Leket recovers surplus food and delivers it to those who need it most. In 2023, the organization served 270,000 Israelis at risk per week and an additional 60,000 recipients during the war. 

In Fiscal Year 2024, the Jewish Federation awarded $572,850 to support Leket's operations. 

Learn more about the Jewish Federation's support of Leket Israel by clicking here.