Pantry gives more than food:
Individuals receive hope and sustenance
The JFS Food Pantry, with locations in Overland Park, KS and Kansas City, MO, is the community’s response to the growing need for food assistance in Kansas City.
The struggle against hunger and food insecurity continues to grow. In the past year, we have more than doubled the number of families served each month to more than 800 families. JFS distributes food each month to singles, families and older adults. Twenty-five percent of the people served are children under the age of 18. JFS assists people from all walks of life, regardless of religion.
The pantries offer both VAAD-supervised kosher and non-kosher food, with staples such as grains, dairy, protein, fresh fruits and vegetables. Personal care and household items round out the grocery bags since most of those items are not covered by governmental assistance (food stamps).
Food for cats and dogs is available from our very own Jasmine’s Corner so pet owners don’t have to forgo eating themselves in order to keep their beloved pets fed. Last year 1,275 pets received food from the pantry.
The JFS Food Pantry is an affiliate of the Harvesters Food Network and a partner agency of Happy Bottoms, Kansas City’s baby diaper bank.
Need assistance?
The pantry is open by appointment only to registered clients at both our Kansas and Missouri pantry locations. Currently, both pantries are at capacity and not able to enroll new clients. Please check back for future openings, and in the meantime, the Harvesters website is a great place to locate food assistance near you.
JFS is a comprehensive human services organization, providing a continuum of integrated care and support. If you are in need of counseling or have care management needs, a JFS Case Manager can offer an appropriate referral.
Want to help?
Donate! Financial contributions of any size help us meet all Pantry needs. Donate now.
Give food and supplies! We always need shelf-stable food such as canned and boxed goods, as well as personal care items and paper products. See a list of of most needed items.
Items can also be purchased and sent directly to the Food Pantry by purchasing from the JFS Food Pantry Wish List at Amazon. Order though Amazon Smile and designate JFS of Greater Kansas City as your charity of choice to further your donation!
Go hands-on as a JFS Food Pantry volunteer. Volunteers are needed to sort food donations, pick up donations from food drives and local grocery stores, organize and staff the pantry, make food deliveries to home-bound clients. Contact Volunteer Engagement at volunteer@jfskc.org or 913-730-1410.
Host a Food Drive – in person or contactless – in your neighborhood, at your school, workplace or place of worship.
Decorate your next celebration with Mitzvah Centerpieces!
Do a mitzvah and decorate the tables at your bar/bat mitzvah, birthday, anniversary or other event with food baskets supporting the JFS Food Pantry. We have a variety of baskets that can be customized to match your colors or theme. We can even deliver them to your event! For more ideas and pricing, contact Jo Hickey, Food Pantry Director.
The Kansas Food Pantry is generously endowed by Arnold and Carol Caviar & family. The Kansas & Missouri pantries receive financial and in-kind support from numerous foundations, businesses, organizations, and individuals.