By Reporter staff

Rose Shea, director of Jewish Family Service, likes to be prepared. So, when she learned that the extra funds given to those receiving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP) were to stop at the end of February, she knew that JFS needed to be ready for an increase in calls for help. 

“In December 2022, Congress passed a bill that ended these extra supplemental benefits,” Shea said. “Unfortunately, with food costs increasing and inflation raising the price of everyday needed items, many people still could use this help as they face food insecurity. And that means more people are going to need our help.”

Jewish Family Service wants to be prepared for these calls for help by purchasing grocery gift cards that will be distributed to those in need. Interested donors can make a donation to JFS and earmark the funds for “grocery cards.” Donations can be sent to JFS, 500 Clubhouse Rd., Vestal, NY 13850.

Shea believes the community will answer this call as part of its communal practice of tzedakah, which is not considered charity as much as it is social justice: a communal obligation to help those in need. “I’ve been amazed at the continuing generosity of the local Jewish community,” Shea added, “and know our members will once again step up to help. Thank you in advance for any help you can give.”