Hunger is often a hidden affliction. Neighbors and friends experiencing food insecurity might be getting by with one meal a day, fast food, or snacks instead of nourishing meals without anyone noticing. While this is a common challenge throughout the year, food banks become particularly scarce in the fall and winter seasons. Ushering in the season is September, designated Hunger Action Month. Then October marks the important Jewish holidays Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, The High Holidays are steeped in food traditions, family, and feasting. As you prepare to spend time and share food with friends and family, it’s almost impossible not to think about those who experience hunger in your community.
All these holidays also emphasize sharing, charity and doing for others. So put the two together, food and helping others, and what do you get? Five great ideas to help the hungry:
- Donate produce from your own garden: Those zucchinis are out there, multiplying overnight, and there’s only so much zucchini one family can eat! Squirrel Hill Food Pantry would be delighted to have any extra produce from your garden. We will also gladly accept donations of commercially processed nonperishables/ shelf stable items, like cans of soup and vegetables, bags of rice, and boxes of cereal.
- Volunteer: You can volunteer with your family or your colleagues, just once, or once a week. SHFP is always in need of helping hands. To learn more about volunteering at the pantry, click here.
- Organize a food drive: Food drive collections are especially great. Not only do they supplement the food supply, but usually food drives produce favorite brands and special items otherwise rarely available.
- Host a High Holiday food drive: As you know, SHFP is the only kosher food pantry in the region, and the holidays are coming. Help make sure all of your Jewish neighbors are able to honor the holidays with dignity.
- Make a donation to Squirrel Hill Food Pantry: not everyone has time to volunteer or collect food. But that’s OK because your generous gift will help the Pantry purchase most needed items. Every dollar donated ensures that a family receives three healthy meals. DONATE HERE
Every effort we make, large or small, to help eliminate hunger in our community helps. Hunger is an uncomplicated issue with an easy solution: feed people in need. The more difficult part is making sure we are providing enough food, and that we are there year-round, any time we are needed. That’s where you come in. The generosity and activism of this community continue to make a difference in maintaining a strong, dependable resource that serves thousands of neighbors each year.
About JFCS Pittsburgh Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
The Squirrel Hill Food Pantry has been a cornerstone of Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) Pittsburgh since 1999. It offers nutritious, fresh food for neighbors meeting income eligibility requirements in the 15217 zip code as well as kosher food for families who live in the Southwest PA region. For more information, visit www.jfcspgh.org/squirrel-hill-food-pantry or call (412) 421-2708.