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Jewish Family Service volunteer Donna Levin helps sort and stack some of the hundreds of pounds of donated food. JFS’ Food Pantry has experienced an increase in demand. (Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)
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The Wawa Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS).
The funds ensure JFS can continue to keep its pantry shelves well-stocked to accommodate the influx of food requests from individuals and families in our region.
“The Wawa Foundation continues to be a wonderful JFS partner through their charitable giving which ultimately helps build stronger communities. They are committed to supporting healthy living programs and leading hunger relief efforts, which are two significant focuses for our agency,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS Chief Executive Officer. “This grant will help JFS secure food staples – soups, tuna, rice, cereal and more – to provide to community residents in need.”
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At JFS, we’ve seen first-hand the need for food and basic essentials escalate to levels never experienced.
Since March of 2020, the JFS Pantry has distributed in excess of 61,300 pounds of food to more than 8,300 people including over 4,500 Meals on Wheels deliveries.
“The Wawa Foundation is committed to building stronger communities in three focus areas of health, hunger and everyday heroes and we are proud to support Jewish Family Service as they work to relieve hunger in Atlantic & Cape May Counties,” said Jay Culotta, The Wawa Foundation. “We’re grateful to partners like JFS who are committed to serving our communities in making sure families get the food and resources needed.”
Currently, JFS is in the process of doubling its pantry size to accommodate the on-going need for assistance.
The agency is offering exclusive opportunities for individuals, businesses and organizations to support the new pantry.
From recognition on reusable grocery bags to building signage and naming rights, there are a variety of ways, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,000,000, to support JFS in its evolution to assure no one goes hungry in our community.
For more information about the JFS Pantry Naming Opportunities, contact Beth Joseph at bjoseph@jfsatlantic.org or 609.822.7409.
For more information on acquiring or donating food to the JFS Pantry, call Vanessa Smith at 609.822.1108 x249 or Mary DeMarco at 609.822.1108 x512 or visit 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 us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About The Wawa Foundation
The Wawa Foundation is an extension of Wawa’s commitment to making the world a better place by fulfilling customers’ lives every day.
The Wawa Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded by Wawa, Inc. to support the company’s charitable giving and philanthropic activities – and ultimately to help build happier, stronger communities.
The Wawa Foundation focuses its support on organizations committed to health, hunger and everyday heroes through local, regional and national grants and in-kind donations.