Bad economy stretching resources at local food banks and pantries
 
(Cedarhurst, N.Y.) The current economic downturn has created an increased demand for emergency food assistance at Kol Ditzrich, the kosher food pantry run by the JCC of the Greater Five Towns. This trend has been felt by food banks and hunger relief organizations across the country as more families feel the effects of a worsening economy.
 
“As with other hunger relief agencies and programs on Long Island, the JCC’s kosher food pantry is seeing an increase in the demand for supplemental food assistance among local families, many seeking help for the first time,” said Rina Shkolnik, executive director, JCC of the Greater Five Towns. “We are calling upon the generosity of our neighbors throughout the Five Towns to contribute what they can to help those who are struggling in these tough economic times.”
 
Kol Ditzrich is run out of the JCC at 207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst and provides nutritious, non-perishable food packages and toiletries to nearly 150 families in the Five Towns. The community is asked to donate non-perishable kosher food products, such as canned fish, pasta, breakfast cereal, soup and juices, among other kosher items. Also needed are diapers, deodorant, toothpaste and shampoo. Monetary contributions are appreciated, too.
 
The Jewish Community Center of the Greater Five Towns is a beneficiary agency of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of New York, a member agency of the United Way of Long Island, the Jewish Community Centers Association and an affiliate of the Five Towns Community Chest. It serves the communities of Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, Far Rockaway, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence, Lynbrook, Malverne, Valley Stream, West Hempstead and Woodmere. For more information, please contact the JCC at 516-569-6733, or visit www.fivetownsjcc.org.
 
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