Food Pantry Provides Passover Assistance to Local Families

The JFSGNH Food Pantry and Nutritional Wellness Center provided Passover Assistance to more than 135 families in the Greater New Haven area.  On Sunday, April 17th, B’nai B’rith Project H.O.P.E. volunteers and community members packed more than 380 bags, of which JFSGNH received 135 to distribute.  The bags were filled with traditional Passover foods such as Gefilte fish, macaroons,  matzoh, chamomile/mint herbal tea, matzo ball soup mix, pineapple tidbits, chocolate-covered marshmallows, apple sauce, borscht with beets, mayonnaise, tuna, oil, potatoes, cucumbers in brine,  and grape juice, among other items.  Each family also received a grocery store gift card to help offset the costs associated with their holiday shopping needs.  

“It’s important to recognize those in our community who may not have the means to celebrate Passover,” commented Sandra Hagan, JFSGNH Food Pantry Director.  “Many families may not attend a traditional Seder and working with Harold Miller of Project Hope is one way we help local families acknowledge the holiday and traditions.”

JFSGNH Teams Up with Gateway Community College

The JFSGNH Food Pantry has teamed up with Gateway Community College and its Allied Health Program to help educate clients on healthy and nutritious choices. Students will be stationed at the  Pantry throughout this semester to meet and discuss with clients different ways to reduce sodium and sugar; how to read and understand nutritional labels; and how to make wise choices to help alleviate, or combat common illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.  Pictured are Nara Balbi and Michelle Taylor-Hall with their stock pot of heart healthy borscht and information regarding stroke prevention and key nutrients for health and wellness.