● This program was founded in August 1996, in response to a recognized need in the community.

● The Pantry is administered by the Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service.

Who receives help from the Forster Family Kosher Food Pantry?

● Families suffering financial setbacks.

● The Elderly isolated and living on meager income.

● Unemployed Adults in need of interim assistance.

● Qualifications are based on income.

How is the Forster Family Kosher Food Pantry Funded?

● Financial donations from the community on a continued basis support food purchases.

Food Sources

1. Food is primarily purchased on sale from area supermarkets and food distributors. Each delivery includes staples items such as: cereal, packaged milk, tuna fish, pasta, tomato sauce, dried fruit, and canned vegetables, as well as fresh produce and a challah.

2. Food Drives are held throughout the year for the collection of specific items such as tuna fish and peanut butter.

3. The Pantry works in partnership with The Daily Bread Food Bank for the annual Project Isaiah food drive.

Food Delivery

● A JFS driver accompanied by a volunteer, delivers food to the recipients' home. Delivers are done in unmarked vans to protect the privacy of the recipients.

● A group from a local synagogue also makes deliveries.

● A group from St. Andrews Country Club delivers to a nearby senior community.

Food Baggings

20 - 30 volunteers assist with Food Baggings every month. Retirees, adults, teens and young children participate for approximately two hours of work.

Holiday Observances

Special holiday food packages and greeting cards are prepared and given to our Food Pantry recipients. In addition, transportation is provided, so they may participate in campus holidays.

A volunteer sends out monthly birthday cards to all of the Food Pantry recipients.

Special holiday toiletry packages are put together by area school children for out Food Pantry recipients.