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Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat: The J & THRIVE Support Passover Needs

Building on the success of last year's pilot program, Jewish Peninsula and THRIVE Peninsula will renew their partnership to better serve Jewish families during the upcoming Passover holiday. What began as a promising collaboration has proven its impact, and both organizations are proud to deepen their commitment to supporting the community.

THRIVE Peninsula, a local organization dedicated to helping families through difficult times, operates The Market at THRIVE, presented by Food Lion. This innovative, free grocery store focuses on providing fresh, healthy foods in a dignified environment. Unlike traditional food pantries, The Market allows clients to choose all their items, respecting their preferences and dietary needs while eliminating the stigma often associated with food assistance.

Jewish Family Services, established by Jewish Peninsula to address community social service needs, has long provided holiday support including Passover food items for families on a limited budget and those who are homebound. JFS will continue to deliver these important holiday meal items and share a friendly visit.

After a highly successful pilot last year, this renewed collaboration will once again create a dedicated kosher for Passover section at The Market at THRIVE from March 18th through April 9th. The pilot demonstrated just how meaningful this initiative is to the community, and both organizations are excited to build on that foundation. This ensures that Jewish families can prepare for this important holiday with dignity, selecting foods that honor both tradition and personal preference.

"The holidays, while joyous occasions, can also be a time when financial burdens feel particularly overwhelming for many families," says Eric Maurer, CEO of Jewish Peninsula. "At the heart of our Passover seder, we declare, 'Let all who are hungry come and eat.' This is not just a tradition. It is a mitzvah. We have a sacred obligation to ensure every member of our community has what they need to celebrate with dignity."

Community members can support this effort by donating kosher for Passover food items at the Jewish Peninsula office. These donations will help keep The Market well-stocked throughout the holiday preparation period.

In particular, the following donations are needed:

  • Matzah
  • Matzah ball soup mix
  • Macaroons
  • Gefilte fish
  • Grape juice
  • Candied fruit slices
  • Cake mixes

"This partnership reflects our shared belief that faith calls us to love people in practical, meaningful ways," shared Angela York, Executive Director of THRIVE Peninsula. "At THRIVE Peninsula, we are honored to work alongside Jewish Peninsula to support families during Passover with dignity and choice. As Scripture reminds us, ‘Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth’."

Through this thoughtful and proven partnership, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to creating a community where everyone can participate in cherished traditions regardless of financial circumstances.

If you find yourself struggling to afford kosher for Passover food, you can book a shopping visit on THRIVE's website​. There are no income requirements. All shopping visits are by appointment only — no walk-ins. If you are unable to get an appointment, you can call 757-877-6211 x2 and ask to be put on the Market wait list.

Kosher for Passover donations can be dropped off at the Jewish Peninsula office:
401 City Center Boulevard