Funds Support Hand Up Food Pantry; Provide Groceries, Diapers and Other Essentials to Local Military Families and Others in Need

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 9, 2018) – Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the USS Midway Foundation to support its Hand Up Food Pantry, which provides groceries, diapers and other essentials to local military families and other San Diegans in need.

To help address the region’s growing food insecurity issues, the JFS Hand Up Food Pantry provides supplemental, nutritious food to more than 2,000 individuals, including 500 active duty military – totaling up to 300,000 meals annually. It is the only food pantry in San Diego that offers unlimited produce to its clients – distributing 88,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables in 2017.

“Jewish Family Service works every day to help struggling families and individuals in San Diego move forward and build more stable, secure lives,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “Our commitment to serving military families is strongly aligned with the goals of the USS Midway Foundation, and we look forward to using these much-needed grant funds to continue providing food assistance to our region’s active-duty military personnel and their families.”

JFS’s Hand Up Food Pantry distributes food at several locations throughout San Diego County, including Murphy Canyon Military Housing and Camp Pendleton. Last year, the JFS program managed 24 distributions for military families who received fresh produce, lean meats, locally caught tuna and non-perishable food items – equivalent to 41,606 meals – along with other basic hygiene items, including diapers, baby wipes and shaving kits.

In addition to food assistance, JFS offers military families other programs and support services including parent education, counseling, housing assistance, career classes and domestic violence services.

JFS was one of 34 nonprofit organizations awarded more than $560,000 by the USS Midway Foundation. The grants support a wide array of local and national groups that provide projects and programs serving San Diego-area, active-duty military personnel and their families.

“We salute Jewish Family Service and its Hand Up Food Pantry for being a pillar in our region by helping military families access healthy food and fostering a stronger, more resilient community,” said Dan Beintema, president of the USS Midway Foundation.

To learn more about JFS’s Hand Up Food Pantry, sign up for food assistance or volunteer at food distribution sites, visit www.jfssd.org.

About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to more than 20,000 San Diegans every year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families in crisis move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community. To get help, volunteer, or learn how you can join us in Moving Forward Together, visit www.jfssd.org or call (858) 637-3000.

Media Contacts:
Ashley Weaver, work: 619-295-7140, cell: 619-987-6676, [email protected]
Sandy Young, work: 619-295-7140, cell: 858-699-6521, [email protected]