Feeding Hungry San Diegans.
For the second year in a row, the Jewish Federation of San Diego County collaborated with its longtime partner at Jewish Family Service (JFS) to raise money for the JFS Foodmobile as part of the nationwide day of giving known as #GivingTuesday. The JFS Foodmobile delivers hot, kosher meals to San Diego seniors and younger adults living with disabilities across the County, helping them remain independent and thrive in their own homes. The program is a great example of Federation’s Aging in Community Initiative, which is responding to the long term critical need of San Diego’s aging population.
In a blockbuster first year, Federation and JFS raised funding for 1,200 meals for those in need during the #GivingTuesday campaign and strove for a greater impact in 2015. The San Diego community was asked to come together on Tuesday, December 1, and raise enough money to secure 1,800 meals, and our generous community did more than answer that call! With the help of a matching donation from Harriet’s Mitzvah Meals, and through the generosity and support of the San Diego Gulls hockey club as well as the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, enough money was raised to provide 2,115 meals to hungry San Diegans – all in one day!
Thanks to the power of JFS, a home-delivered hot kosher meal costs only $6. Buying a $6 meal or two sounds like a small thing, but it means a lot to the seniors who receive them. Every day, JFS delivers meals and ensures the recipient is at home and doing well. Many of the seniors say that receiving meals gives them a reason to get up and get dressed each morning, because as they say “company is coming!” – it is amazing that $6 can do all of that!
The Foodmobile program is a testament to the power of community and organizational partnerships, proving once again the words of renowned cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
It is this sense of community and responsibility that drives Federation’s commitment to older Jewish adults in San Diego County. Federation and its partners understand that serving the growing population of older Jewish adults must be a team effort, involving the entire San Diego community and local organizations. Studies have shown that by 2030 there will be more than 28,000 Jewish adults over the age of 60 living in San Diego County, and Federation strives to ensure that these lives are cared for in the most dignified, sustainable and meaningful way possible.
Federation’s Aging in Community Initiative is designed to empower older Jewish adults to thrive in home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or social status. This is accomplished by providing scalable, meaningful solutions to the challenges older Jewish adults face, including social isolation, access to services and assistance with routine tasks, to name a few. By working with its partners and supporting programs like JFS Foodmobile, Federation can address those in need today – and prepare for the growing challenges ahead.
Are you interested in volunteering with Foodmobile? You can make a huge impact by helping pack or deliver meals!
