End of the Season Clean Your Cupboards: Summer Residents Can Donate Remaining Food Surplus to JFS

Michael, David, and JFS Board President Matthew Simpson help stock the agency’s pantry with canned soup and vegetables. The agency provides an array of non-perishable foods as well as fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, meats, frozen products and more to individuals and families in need. (Photograph provided by Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)

In shore communities, the end of the summer season occurs just beyond Labor Day when summer residents and visitors dip their toe in the ocean one more time, purchase a few souvenirs and clean out their cupboards.

For those individuals and families who have a surplus of non-perishable foods, basic essentials and baby products and prefer not to lug them back home, then Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) is the place for you.

JFS eagerly accepts canned and boxed goods – peanut butter, jelly, cereal, tuna, soups, snacks and more – so the pantry shelves can remain stocked.

For your convenience, you may drop-off food at the JFS Pantry, located at 607 North Jerome Avenue in Margate, Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm.

So far in 2023, the JFS Food Pantry distributed nearly 30,630 pounds of food to more than 5,298 Atlantic County residents, including 1,962 children. In addition, JFS provided 1,776 Kosher Meals on Wheels to older adults and homebound seniors. With the agency’s expanded pantry, JFS continues to provide individuals and families in need with non-perishable foods as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, poultry, meats, frozen products, and more.

“Food insecurity continues to be prevalent throughout the county and JFS is committed to helping those in need by providing nutritious, healthy food options. By cleaning your cupboards at summer’s end and donating to the agency, JFS can continue to meet the increased demand that exists today,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS Chief Executive Officer.

For more information on the JFS Food Pantry or volunteer opportunities, contact Vanessa Smith at vsmith@jfsatlantic.org or Bailey Pokres at bpokres@jfsatlantic.org.

About Jewish Family Service

Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) encourages strong families, thriving children, healthy adults, energized seniors and vital communities.

With dozens of program areas, JFS specializes in counseling, mental health services, homeless programs, vocational services, adult and older adult services and also hosts an on-site food pantry.

The agency impacts 8,000 lives throughout Atlantic and Cape May Counties each year.

JFS’ mission is to motivate and empower people to realize their potential and enhance their quality of life.

In keeping with Jewish values and the spirit of tikkun olam (healing the world), JFS provides services with integrity, compassion, respect and professionalism regardless of their religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age or background.

For more information or to keep up-to-date with JFS events and programs, visit www.jfsatlantic.org or follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

*Post has been updated.