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How You Can Help

3 Ways You Can Support Furloughed Employees During the Government Shutdown

(1) Drop-Off Non-Perishable Food at the J

Our community is seeing a dramatic rise in food requests as furloughed government employees face financial uncertainty. To help meet this growing need, the J is hosting a food drive to support local families affected by the shutdown. We’re collecting nonperishable food items, toiletries, and other essentials to ensure no one goes without during this difficult time.  All donated items will be distributed through our JFS Food Pantry or our partners at THRIVE Peninsula.

Requested Items:

  • Coffee & K-Cups
  • Pasta & sauce
  • Cereal
  • Canned tuna
  • Protein bars & granola bars
  • Baby formula & diapers
  • Lunchbox items:
    • Chip snack packs
    • Fruit rolls ups & fruit snacks
    • Fruit cups
    • Little Debbie cakes and treats
    • Juice boxes & milk boxes
  • Thanksgiving meal items:
    • Stuffing
    • Canned cranberry sauce
    • Gravy
    • Canned vegetables
    • Mashed potato mix
    • Pie crusts & pie filling
  • Hanukkah items:
    • Oil
    • Applesauce
    • Flour
    • Grape juice
    • Chocolate gelt
    • Candles
    • Baking supplies for cookies & treats

Please bring all items to the J lobby.
401 City Center Boulevard

(2) Make a Monetary Donation to JFS

(3) Urge Congress to Protect SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s primary food assistance program, helping 42 million Americans — including children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families — afford nutritious meals and avoid hunger. If the government shutdown is not resolved before November 1, at least half of states have warned that SNAP benefits will stop. That could leave tens of millions of people with no support to buy food, forcing families to choose between paying rent, filling prescriptions, or eating.

One in three Holocaust Survivors in the U.S. lives in poverty and relies on federal nutrition programs. In addition, 19% of Jewish households in the United States cannot make ends meet or are barely managing. Without SNAP, low-income families will be pushed into crisis. Programs like SNAP make it possible for people to remain independent, avoid costly emergency care, and maintain health and stability.

When you send this action alert to Congress, you send a clear message: lawmakers must prevent a lapse and ensure SNAP benefits continue without interruption.

Urge Congress to Protect SNAP

Jewish Family Services was created by Jewish Peninsula to meet the social service needs of the community. Every person is treated with respect, confidentiality and careful attention. Each year, clients benefit from our diverse programs and services.  Click here to learn more.