The JFS Food Pantry gets boost from our local Whole Foods each week from donations that they send our way via these lovely food schlepping volunteers.

Pictured: Rachel Krantz, Susie Azorsky, Amy Shapiro, Lynne Bock, Marla Brockman, and Bette Grossman

So far this year we’ve received over 36,000 pounds of food. That averages to be almost 900 pounds of food each week that these ladies pack up and deliver to the JFS Food Pantry at The J KC and the JFS Food Pantry in Brookside.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the magnitude of food insecurity in the Greater Kansas City area is brought to our attention. As many as 24 percent of local families with children struggle to put food on the table. Even in affluent Johnson County, there are people – friends and neighbors – who may not know where their next meal is coming from or who don’t receive proper nutrition from what they can afford to buy.

Each month Jewish Family Services Food Pantry provides more than 12,000 pounds of food, fresh produce and personal hygiene products to families in need, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Thanks to one area retailer, Whole Foods Market at 119th Street and Glenwood, the pantry gets much needed produce.

Volunteers pictured here with Jo Hickey, JFS Food Pantry Director; Vickie, Johansen, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator; and Taly Friedman, Director of Volunteer Engagement

Whole Foods has shown support in various ways in the past through their Feed 4 More program allowing customers to make donations toward the JFS Food Pantry and through their Dime at a Time reusable bag credit donation program.

Take an opportunity to shop at the Whole Foods and support your local JFS Food Pantry.