Right now, an estimated 1 in 4 San Diegans are nutrition insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough healthy food. As grocery prices remain high, more of our neighbors are experiencing hunger. With more than a century of experience behind us, we have seen that when people have enough food to eat, they can more easily afford other necessities, fulfill their potential at work and school, and focus on long-term goals.

Jewish Family Service is committed to keeping our community nutrition secure by offering several dignified nutrition assistance options. Read on to learn why Lieber’s Corner Market on our Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus is not your average grocery store.

Lieber’s Corner Market is named after a grocery store that once stood on a busy street corner in Brooklyn, New York during the 1940s and 1950s. The store was run by Rose and Herman Lieber, immigrant parents of a longtime JFS donor, who immigrated to the United States with their families to escape violence and persecution in Eastern Europe and build a better life for themselves.

Inside, store shelves were stacked floor to ceiling with cans, jars, boxes, and bottles of food, drinks, dairy, and paper products. A wooden pickle barrel stood by the door—5 cents for a pickle—and sliced cakes and treats were perched on the counter by the cash register in case customers had a craving for something sweet.

Herman welcomed every customer into the store with a smile and a hearty greeting. Always smartly dressed in a clean white apron, starched shirt and tie, and with a pencil behind his ear, he listened as his customers shared their joys and troubles, lent a helping hand when they needed one, and treated everyone with respect. JFS is honored to continue the Lieber’s legacy in San Diego—serving the community with compassion and kindness.

Today, Lieber’s Corner Market at JFS is a small grocery store where shoppers can self-select nutritious foods free of charge based on family size and need. This revolutionary concept is different from other food pantries that only offer pre-selected bags of food. By allowing individuals to choose the food that works best for their family’s needs, they are more likely to choose only food that they will eat instead of some food going to waste.

Through Lieber’s Corner Market, many community members also participate in the new Corner Market+ program which combines nutrition assistance with wraparound services designed to help people reach their nutritional and financial goals faster. Our Corner Market+ Coach meets one-on-one with participants to help keep them motivated and on the right track. By connecting people to a network of additional resources and support, Lieber’s Corner Market’s combined approach propels individuals and families forward so they can build stable, secure, connected lives.

JFS is proud to provide critical nutrition services that leave our neighbors feeling better about themselves and their future. From first-time parents and multigenerational families to aging couples and veterans, JFS is helping people move forward with dignified support that meets them where they are in their journey.