Although more people are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, the number of people fighting food insecurity continues to grow. The JFS Food Pantry, with locations on both sides of the state line, is busy serving more than 900 families and their pets — double the amount assisted before the pandemic.
Twenty-three locations of Cosentino’s Price Chopper stores have stepped up to help JFS feed the hungry by continuing to match donations with the “Buy One, Give One” program.
When you purchase a $5 or $10 “Buy One, Give One” card, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Cosentino’s Price Chopper. The cards are available at check-out – please ask your cashier.
“This promotion allows us and our customers to help feed families here in need,” said John Cosentino, co-owner of Cosentino’s Food Stores. “This innovative promotion allows all of us – old and new customers, our employees, and the Cosentino family – to come together to make a significant impact in addressing the growing food crisis.”
The JFS Food Pantry distributes approximately 55,000 pounds monthly of fresh produce, shelf-stable food products, household items (not covered by government entities), and pet food. Fifty percent of the products the pantry distributes come from food drives and donations.
Cosentino Food Stores operate 31 stores in the Kansas City area. The company began in 1948 when Dante Cosentino Sr., an artist who immigrated from Italy, providentially found himself purchasing a small fruit stand. The third generation has joined the business and strives to deliver fresh perspective and insight as new growth and development occur within the industry.
View a list of participating Cosentino’s Price Chopper stores here.
Facts about the current hunger situation in the Kansas City area:
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Twenty-four percent of families with children in Kansas City struggle to put food on the table.
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Before the pandemic, 1 in 8 people in the metropolitan area was food insecure — now the number is 1 in 6.
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The number of food-insecure children has jumped from 1 in 7 to 1 in 4.
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Many families do not qualify for federal assistance, or their benefits are limited.
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Government assistance often does not cover household and personal hygiene items.
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Food insecurity in and around Kansas City has increased more than 40 percent in the last year.