Our community came together this weekend to support food access for those who need it most. This year’s Community-Wide Food Sort was a true celebration of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—and such a meaningful way to begin the New Year. Together, 171 volunteers donated, sorted, and boxed 1306 bags of food and toiletries for the Polack Food Bank.
We’re grateful to everyone who donated and volunteered, and we extend a special thank you to the ACME Food Sales Team for providing a fantastic location for the event and critical storage space for the Polack Food Bank throughout the year.
The joy at the Food Sort matched the seriousness of its purpose. Our tradition makes it clear: feeding the hungry is among the most sacred responsibilities we have:
“When you are asked in the world to come, ‘What was your work?’ and you answer: ‘I fed the hungry,’ you will be told: ‘This is the gate of the Lord, enter into it, you who have fed the hungry'” (Midrash to Psalm 118:17).
- That call feels especially urgent today. Food insecurity in our region has reached crisis levels:
- 190 people visited the Polack Food Bank in a single day recently—a record in our history.
- Visits rose 25% in the first half of 2025 compared to late 2024.
- Food donations from partners are down 75% from last year.
- Cuts to SNAP and USDA programs are reducing families’ access to basic nutrition.
Our neighbors are doing everything they can to get by, but skyrocketing grocery costs and shrinking safety nets are forcing impossible choices—between rent and meals, medication and food. They turn to JFS knowing they will be welcomed with dignity and compassion.
The Food Sort showed us what we can accomplish when we act together. Let’s carry that same spirit forward. If you’re interested in running your own food drive to help beyond this event, we have tips to get you started. Together, we can ease hunger, uplift families, and ensure no one in our community is left behind. Thank you for being part of this remarkable day—and for standing with JFS in this critical moment.
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