(Courtesy of Met Council) Met Council, America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to fighting poverty, launched an emergency fundraising campaign for its High Holiday food distribution program. The nonprofit organization, which also oversees the world’s largest kosher food distribution program, aims to raise the $2.2 million required to feed 200,000 poverty-stricken New Yorkers in conjunction with the upcoming Jewish holiday season. Due to rising food costs and significantly less food being provided by federal, state and local government programs, Met Council is aiming to raise 34% more than last year’s campaign in order to address a growing crisis that impacts individuals and families throughout New York.
Last year’s Met Council High Holiday distribution program enabled 158,407 New Yorkers to enjoy the holidays without worrying about whether they would have enough food to feed their families. This year, amid soaring inflation and the lingering impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, Met Council is striving to continue supporting as many people in need as possible.
The organization plans to provide the food to needy members of the Jewish community through its extensive network of food pantries, community partners and specially designated holiday food distribution points across the five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey. Met Council is preparing to distribute $4,050,000 worth of food from a total of 126 locations, including items ranging from common household goods, such as flour and oats, to those that are more holiday-specific, like cholent mix and honey.
“Far too many individuals and families are facing a dire and dangerous situation as food costs skyrocket, leading to food insecurity and increased poverty,” said Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield. “The crisis is exacerbated by the termination of many COVID-related government food assistance programs, which has regrettably led to countless members of our community being unable to afford to feed their families during these upcoming Jewish holidays. As always, Met Council is here to answer the call for our clients in need, and we have an ambitious fundraising goal because we are committed to providing the assistance that so many people desperately need.”
To help feed a hungry New Yorker this High Holiday, please visit: www.metcouncil.org/RH
