We’ve been hearing about the need for food assistance for so long that it might no longer seem like “news.” But the news is, sadly, that things are getting better VERY slowly. Los Angeles County unemployment is still high, and currently 1-in-6 of our neighbors cannot afford to put adequate food on the table. That’s double the rate of food insecurity from less than a decade ago. That’s why the Hunger Initiative of The Jewish Federation educates and mobilizes the Jewish community so that together we can make Los Angeles a better place for everyone. We are a Jewish voice speaking out about issues of hunger, nutrition and food security for our community and connecting it with anti-hunger partners.
We work with diverse partners in the effort to end hunger in Los Angeles. One of those partners is SOVA, the Federation-supported Jewish Family Service food pantry, which now has nearly 12,000 people coming in for food every month, and they need our help! Federally subsidized food flowing through food banks to pantries has been reduced, and SOVA counts on the donations we as individuals provide.
During the annual JFS}SOVA High Holiday Food Drive from September 6 to 26, we can all take action. It’s as easy as cleaning out your pantry (check those expiration dates!) or adding a few cans into your shopping cart during your holiday preparations. There will be bins in our lobby at The Federation through September 26. Though you may participate at your synagogue we hope that you will help us meet our goal to collect 500 lbs of food from employees and visitors in our community building.
To join us in the drive, deliver your donations to The Jewish Federation, 6505 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles. You can also bring items to participating synagogues and day schools.
For questions or to find a drop-off location near you, call Maxine Meyer at (818) 988-7682 ext 116. For information on Federation’s building drive contact Flori Schutzer at (323) 761-8132 or FSchutzer@JewishLA.org.
Here’s what SOVA needs most:
CANNED BEANS, MEAT, TUNA
DRY MILK
PASTA/NOODLES/RICE
DRY SOUP
PEANUT BUTTER (in plastic)
SOVA also needs: Kosher foods, tomato sauce, whole grain cereal, canned fruit (in juice), canned soup, 100% juice, canned vegetables, cereal, cooking oil (plastic bottles), deodorant, diapers and wipes, disposable razors, shampoo/conditioner, soap, toothbrushes/toothpaste.
Learn more about JFS}SOVA and the great work that they do.
Thank you for helping us help SOVA in their work to alleviate hunger!
