Food Pantry
Giving families 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 greater Kansas City. Since opening in the Fall of 2012, the struggle against hunger and food insecurity continues to grow. Since 2012 we have more than doubled the number of families served each month to over 400 families. JFS distributes more than 27,000 pounds of 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, and Giving the Basics. JFS serves all eligible clients regardless of religion.
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. A complete listing of donors and partners can be found on the Donor page.
Looking for assistance?
The pantry is open by appointment only to registered clients at both our Kansas and Missouri pantry locations. JFS staff and volunteers are available to help shop and load groceries in your car. Delivery is an option for homebound clients. Emergency food assistance often is available for immediate needs while you await an appointment. If you or someone you know needs ongoing or emergency food assistance, please call 913-327-8250 to speak with a Case Manager or to inquire about pantry hours of operation.
JFS is a comprehensive human services organization, providing a continuum of integrated care and support. If you are a job seeker, in need of counseling or have care management needs, a JFS Case Manager can offer an appropriate referral.
Looking for ways to help or volunteer?
Donate! Financial contributions of any size help us meet all Pantry needs, which equate to more than 22,000 pounds of products each month. Donate now.
Give food and supplies! We always need shelf-stable food like canned and boxed goods, as well as personal care items and paper products. See a list of of most needed items.
- 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, and assist clients who come to shop.
- Host a Food Drive at your school, workplace or place of worship.
Decorate at 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. Contact Jo Hickey, Food Pantry Director for more photos and pricing. We can even deliver them to your event!
