“I am so grateful for Jewish Family Service and their food pantry for providing the most basic needs to our most vulnerable population, and for making such a positive impact on our community. Their service is much needed and is seriously a game changer in so many people's lives.”
Rebecca Smith, Case Manager, The Road Home
The Alex & Sally Lebwohl Food Pantry at Jewish Family Service has been a resource for Utahns in need for the past 11 years. Since its humble beginnings in 2012 as a source of food for 85 clients, the pantry has grown immensely in size and scope.
As a member of the Utah Food Bank network of food pantries, many people rely on our food pantry weekly. In 2022 alone, our pantry supplied food to 4,696 individuals and families in need.
With the rising cost of food and the end of pandemic-era subsidies, such as free school lunches and the termination of the increased SNAP benefit, more people than ever are facing food insecurity this year. “In January 2022, 326 accessed the food pantry and it has steadily increased over the past year,” said Tanya Alvarado, JFS’ Safety Net and Food Pantry Coordinator. “In January of this year alone, 548 people utilized the pantry.”
JFS partners with many local social service agencies in Salt Lake City and Park City, who know we are a valuable resource for their clients. Rebecca Smith, a case manager at The Road Home, recommends our pantry to her clients in need.
“I have noticed a huge increase in the need for food recently, due to the rising cost of groceries, as well as the COVID SNAP benefit ending,” she said. The JFS food pantry is her top recommendation to her clients because JFS does not require proof of citizenship or financial documents in order to receive food. These ‘usual requirement’s pose barriers for immigrant families and undocumented residents in particular.
“Many people in this population do not have current photo ID's, and do not have access to their Social Security cards, or birth certificates,” Rebecca said.
“Most of the food pantries that I work with, and refer people to, require current photo identification for all adults, and birth certificates for all minors in order to receive a food box. The Jewish Family Service food pantry is one of the only food pantries that do not require documentation.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with putting food on the table, please visit our website at jfsutah.org/our-programs/food-pantry for more information on pantry hours and updates on what is available. If you would like to help our pantry by holding a food drive, or donating items, such as diapers, please call 801-746-4334.
