Press ReleasesSAN DIEGO (March 26, 2019) – Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation to support its Hand Up Food Pantry and Foodmobile program, both of which provide nutritious food, hygiene products and other essentials to San Diegans in need.
Approximately one in six San Diegans live in food insecure homes and one in five children in San Diego struggle with hunger. 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, 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.
The grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation will also be used to support JFS’s FoodMobile program which provides hot, kosher, home-delivered meals to homebound older adults and younger adults with disabilities. These meals provide homebound individuals with vital nutrition, as well as a meaningful connection to their community.
“Our commitment to enhancing the quality of people’s lives in the San Diego community is strongly aligned with the goals of the S. Mark Taper Foundation,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “We are grateful for their generous support and we look forward to using these grant funds to help the struggling families and individuals in need.”
“Jewish Family Service of San Diego is doing crucial work by providing necessities to those who need it most,” said Adrienne Wittenberg, executive director of the S. Mark Taper Foundation. “We stand by Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s mission to empower individuals and families to move forward to self-sufficiency.”
To learn more about JFS’s Hand Up Food Pantry, sign up for food assistance or volunteer at food distribution sites, visit 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 jfssd.org or call (858) 637-3000.
