(Courtesy of Met Council) Amid skyrocketing costs for basic groceries and specifically a dramatic rise in egg prices, Met Council, America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy, is set to assist over 181,000 food-insecure Jewish New Yorkers in time for Rosh Hashanah.

Met Council will be distributing packages including holiday essentials such as fresh produce, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, flour, challah, matzah ball mix, soup mix, tuna, cholent mix, chickpeas and tea biscuits. Special holiday items like honey, apples, grape juice and round challah will also be included, alongside proteins such as chicken, fish and dairy products. Despite the dramatic rise in costs, Met Council has procured and plans to distribute more than 432,000 eggs.

The total value of the food distributed is $4,781,000 at more than 143 sites in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Met Council’s staff, supported by over 600 volunteers including community leaders and elected officials, are handling the packaging and distribution. The first distribution began just after Labor Day, with deliveries continuing through the High Holiday season.

“In the past year alone, egg prices have surged by to over 250 %, a stark increase for a staple item compared to last Rosh Hashanah,” said Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield. “Everything is more expensive. This rise in costs for basic food necessities means more families are facing food insecurity on a regular basis and are forced to choose between nutritional food or paying for basic living expenses. Our mission is clear: to ensure that families can celebrate this Yom Tov season with dignity, coming together to enjoy the holidays and start the new year on a positive note.”

For more information, please visit rh24.metcouncil.org.