Food Insecurity Is A Harsh Reality for Many in Our Community
Food insecurity is a harsh reality for many families, seniors, and individuals in our community. As we approach the High Holidays, JFCS is once again launching our annual “Feeding Families Food Drive,” a vital initiative that supports the JFCS Sonny & Janet Meyer Food Pantry.
Beginning on Rosh Hashanah, local synagogues will begin collecting non-perishable food items at their locations. The drive culminates on October 20, when JFCS will be open for drop-off donations and will hold a special event. The Family Mitzvah Day will be an opportunity for families to come together to help process donations — sorting, weighing, and stocking the pantry shelves to serve our Louisville community.
The importance of food security cannot be overstated. When people don’t have reliable access to nutritious food, the effects can be devastating for the whole family. Children have difficulty focusing on schoolwork and retaining information. Seniors face worsening health issues, and families are sometimes forced to make an impossible choice between buying groceries or paying rent. The stress of not knowing where the next meal will come from can also lead to long-term mental health challenges.
The JFCS Sonny & Janet Meyer Food Pantry plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity in Greater Louisville. While the demand for all our services has never been higher, reflecting the growing need in our community (JFCS served over 2,300 people last year — a 20% increase from the previous year), our food pantry has seen exponential growth in requests for assistance. Last year, we distributed more than 74,000 pounds of food, a 50% increase over the last two years. Two years ago, in response to this rising demand, we expanded our food pantry by opening a satellite office at Shalom Towers, highlighting JFCS’ commitment of meeting the community where they are. But we need your help!
The JFCS Sonny & Janet Meyer Food Pantry is unique in that it operates as a “choice pantry,” allowing clients to shop one-on-one with a JFCS staff member or dedicated volunteers and select items their families will enjoy. This model prioritizes the dignity of our clients, offering them the ability to choose foods that meet their health, cultural, and personal preferences, rather than receiving a pre-packed bag of items. By providing this choice, we ensure that the food we distribute not only nourishes but also empowers those we serve with dignity and purpose.
Our “Feeding Families Food Drive” is an opportunity for the entire community, not just members of the Jewish community, to come together and make a difference. You can participate by dropping off donations at any participating synagogue starting on October 2. Or, if you’re unable to make it to a synagogue, you can drop off donations at JFCS (2821 Klempner Way) on October 20 between 1pm and 3pm. We have a list of the most-needed items available here >.
In addition to donating food, we are also in need of volunteers on October 20 to help us in sorting, weighing, and stocking the donations that come in that day. Many of our supporters use this as another way of giving back, or a Family Mitzvah opportunity. Volunteering is a meaningful way to support the community, and we welcome individuals and families to join. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to Michelle Klecner at mklecner@jfcslouisville.org.
At JFCS, our vision is that all in Greater Louisville live with dignity and purpose. By ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the food they deserve, we help create a more just, compassionate, and supportive society.
Please join us in this important work. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those who need it most.