Thanks to a few generous donors, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond - acting in urgency - in November was able to deploy $50,000 to support multiple local organizations in response to various food emergencies.
The organizations – large and small – work inside and outside the Jewish Community. The funds were quickly raised from the donors who asked the Federation to immediately support local organizations inside and outside the Jewish community.
Families across Greater Richmond were facing hardship and food insecurity, even as the government reopened. The funds were able to address the immediate needs of more than 1,000 Richmonders who were most impacted during this challenging time. People were struggling without SNAP benefits, the impact of the economic situation, and the Government Shutdown.
The Federation received warm thanks from the organizations that received the unexpected but needed funds to assist them. Here are just a few. Some noted they were "floored" after learning about the donations.
Tanya González, Executive Director, Sacred Heart Center, noted, “We are very grateful to the Jewish Community Federation for supporting our work at the Sacred Heart Center through a recent donation. Sacred Heart Center connects Latino families with tools to thrive and flourish. The recent gift by the Jewish Community Federation will support our food access work. Families who are experiencing a wide variety of challenges and are receiving case management services through our Family Support Program receive food assistance, as part of the support that our dedicated team provides. We offer weekly food assistance, with culturally affirming food. During this holiday season, the support is even more important. Thank you for thinking of Sacred Heart.”
Sudeshna Das- Menezes, Founder & Executive Director, Henrico Community Food Bank, shared, “ Thank you so much for reaching out! Yes, this grant came at the perfect time for us. Melanie Fine of the Federation reached out to us right before our community food distribution on 11/22 and the funds basically paid for the majority of the shelf-stable food purchase. With it, we were able to purchase the majority of the products for the distribution like cereal, canned beans, pasta sauce, skillet dinners, Mac n cheese, canned green beans, peanut butter, corn, canned mixed vegetables, and 6 pallets of fresh produce.”
She added, “We served 554 households on Saturday and distributed over 14,880 lbs. of produce and pantry staples with the help of 71 volunteers!”
She concluded, “We couldn't have paid for this if it weren't for the generous grant given to us. Thank you for reaching out to us and believing in our mission. We appreciate you!
The Market at 25th was equally thankful for a Federation grant that helped them provide gift cards to a number of customers in the Church Hill area. “We are so appreciative of support from the Federation during this trying time,” said Jae Scott, CEO of the Market at 25th.
Brad Kaplan with UPRVA said, "Here is how Federation's generosity impacted UP RVA families this Thanksgiving. Because of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, we were able to support students, alumni, and college families across our program with turkey boxes and grocery gift cards."
He noted, "Your partnership allowed us to reach more households than ever before—and to do so with dignity, care, and a true sense of community. Over 30 turkey boxes were distributed and over 25 gift cards were provided for families looking for added grocery assistance at this time."
Brad continued, "Please know how deeply grateful we are. You helped families feel seen, supported, and cared for during a time that can be difficult for many. Thank you for showing up for our students and their families in such a meaningful way."
Other local organizations that were supported by the Federation grants:
JFS Richmond, FeedMore, The Elmer Toth Food Pantry at the Weinstein JCC, Third Street Bethel AME Church, ICNA - Islamic Center Center Relief and, RVA Fridges.
A future digital article will include more comments from recipients.