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Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service
Announces $1M Gift
to Name the “Jacobson Family Food Pantry at JFS”
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service (JFS) is pleased to
announce a new $1 million gift for the “Jacobson Family Food
Pantry at JFS.” Anne and Norman Jacobson’s gift coincides
with the opening of JFS’ new food pantry in a 2,600 sq. ft.
warehouse space located at
430 S. Congress Ave in Delray Beach. The naming and opening
were celebrated at the pantry at a Grand Opening on the
evening of November 29, 2012.
JFS food pantry services began in 1996 with 35 clients.
Today, the Jacobson Family Food Pantry at JFS provides more
than 550 people with bi-monthly food packages. All
recipients are first screened to determine their
eligibility. Significant increase in need caused JFS to
outgrow its location on the Jewish Federation of South Palm
Beach County campus west of Boca Raton.
“Over the past decade, the number of our neighbors who need
help with their day to day sustenance has increased
tremendously, and the number of requests to the Food Pantry
at JFS just keeps increasing,” said Norman Jacobson. “To
ensure that those who must depend on a pantry can continue
to obtain their essential nourishment and maintain their
dignity, Annie and I decided to make this gift. We must
acknowledge those whose vision, dedication and generosity
helped create the Forster Family Kosher Food Pantry that
served our community’s needs from 1996 until earlier this
year: Marcy and Bill Forster, Phyliss and Gerry Golden,
Madeline and Eugene Pargh, Elise (z’l) and Moe Samet (z’l).”
“The Federation applauds JFS’s expansion of its food pantry
and its ability to service more needy residents in our
community,” said Matt Levin, President & CEO of the Jewish
Federation of South Palm Beach County. “We are also deeply
moved by another powerful example of generosity and
compassion for our community and our people from Anne and
Norman Jacobson.”
In addition to a much expanded storage area, the new Food
Pantry at JFS will feature a “shopping” area for clients
with transportation to make selections onsite rather than
receive food deliveries. The new location also includes a
walk-in produce cooler for donated produce and will allow
JFS to begin storing store fresh milk.
“The funds for expansion were provided by the
Oscar and Ray Merber Trust (z’l). We were blessed to have
their niece, Marilyn Ripen, at the Grand Opening to honor
their memory and their wonderful gift to the agency and the
community,” said Danielle N. Hartman, President & CEO of JFS.
“Our new location will enable the agency to feed more people
in need. In addition, we will be able to save money through
bulk purchasing and deliver more customized food packages to
the people we help. We remain committed to serving all the
Jewish food needs in our community.”
“We are thrilled to be able to take this next step in having
our own location, which will be a showcase for JFS food
programs in our community,” said Lisa Goodman, Chair of the
Food Pantry at JFS. “Without the vision and generosity of
the Goldens, Parghs, Samets and the Forster family, the food
pantry would never have come to be, and through our
expansion and the Jacobsons’ gift will be able to do far
more.”
About Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service
A non-profit, non-sectarian agency, Ruth Rales Jewish Family
Service of South Palm Beach County has been committed to
enhancing and improving the quality of life for all members
of the community since 1979. JFS offers help, hope and
humanity through a comprehensive range of programs and
services which support people of all ages and beliefs. With
locations in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, JFS programs and
services include food and financial assistance, senior
services, counseling and mental health services and many
volunteer opportunities. Funding is provided by private and
corporate support, grants, special events and individuals.
For more information, visit
www.ruthralesjfs.org
,
phone (561) 852-3333 or email
info@rrjfs.org
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