When the final school bell rings each June, children across South Jersey celebrate the freedom of summer. But for thousands of families in our community, that same bell signals the beginning of a hidden crisis: The sudden loss of reliable breakfast and lunch programs that provide essential nutrition throughout the school year.
The Jewish value of tzedakah often translated as charity but meaning justice or righteousness reminds us that caring for those in need isn’t optional; it’s our responsibility. The mitzvah of maakhal revi’im, feeding the hungry, calls us to ensure that no one in our community goes without food.
At JFCS, this reality touches our hearts daily. Over the past three months, our Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry has served an average of 44 new families each month. Our staff and volunteers have handled an average of 113 grocery distributions per week–for a total of 452 per month. We anticipate that demand will continue to climb throughout the summer. Our volunteers deliver groceries to suburban homes, trailers, motels, and even cars where people are living.
The Hidden Health Crisis in Our Community: Hunger extends far beyond an empty stomach—it’s a public health crisis that affects our neighbors’ ability to thrive. Behind these statistics are real families in our neighborhoods–children who struggle to concentrate in summer programs, parents who sacrifice their own meals to feed their kids, and seniors who face impossible choices between groceries and medications.
While school meal programs provide crucial support during the academic year, summer creates a sudden void that many families struggle to fill. Not every family qualifies for SNAP or Summer EBT benefits, and limited transportation can make it difficult to reach food distribution sites. The effects ripple across our entire community, touching classrooms, workplaces, and homes throughout South Jersey.
That’s where JFCS steps in. To meet growing needs, we’ve expanded outreach and delivery services. Our dedicated volunteers deliver groceries directly to families who can’t make it to the pantry, helping ensure that children have access to healthy meals all summer long.
Who Faces Food Insecurity? Food insecurity doesn’t always look the way people expect. Many of our clients are working families who fall into the ALICE category–Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. They earn above the poverty line but can’t keep up with rising costs of housing, childcare, and food. An unexpected expense can trigger a financial spiral, leaving families unsure where to turn.
At JFCS, we understand that feeding the hungry is one of the most sacred acts of tikkun olam–repairing the world. Our Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry serves not just as a food distribution center, but as a place where human dignity is honored and community bonds are strengthened. There are no lines or public distributions. Each client receives a personalized intake to identify dietary needs, health issues, and religious or cultural food preferences. As the only kosher food pantry in South Jersey, we serve people of all backgrounds with respect and care.
Jewish Poverty – A Hidden Reality: There’s a common misconception that Jewish communities are immune to poverty. In reality, nearly 20% of Jewish households in the U.S. struggle to afford essentials, with that figure rising to one-third among Holocaust Survivors, according to The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. JFCS serves everyone in need while ensuring Jewish families aren’t left behind, providing kosher food while also accommodating diverse cultural and medical needs.
Addressing Hunger Holistically: Food insecurity is often one piece of a larger puzzle. That’s why JFCS offers more than just groceries. Pantry clients are connected to wraparound services like case management, mental health counseling, job assistance, domestic violence support, and legal and financial consultations. One client recently shared, “I’m so grateful to the JFCS team for the wonderful food I received and the kindness they showed me during a really hard time. They listened without judgment and treated me with such compassion. It meant more than words can say.”
How You Can Help: With the need rising and pantry shelves running low, especially in summer, community support is more important than ever. Here are some ways to get involved:
• Donate Food: Drop off-kosher, non-perishable food or personal care items. Details at jfcssnj.org/howtodonatefood
• Shop Our Amazon Wish List: Send pantry staples directly to us via https://a.co/gI8Atva
• Host a Food Drive: Rally your school, synagogue, workplace, or neighborhood group. Use our food drive toolkit at https://bit.ly/467y1XI
• Make a Gift: One-time and recurring donations help us respond quickly and sustainably. Visit jfcssnj.org/support-the-betsy-peter-fischer-food-pantry
Need Help?: If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table this summer, JFCS is here to help. Call (856) 424-1333 or email faphelp@jfedsnj.org for confidential assistance.
Building a Healthier South Jersey: Hunger may not always be visible, but its impact touches every corner of our community from classrooms and workplaces to homes and neighborhoods. It’s a crisis we can solve together.
This summer, as families across South Jersey face growing need, we invite you to be part of the solution. Your support through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word- -can help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry, and that every neighbor has a chance to thrive.
