Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

JFS Orlando's Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry began receiving food donations once again from Sprouts Farmers Market at Winter Park Corners.

For the majority of last year, all food donation pick-ups from grocery partners were suspended due to safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the absence of these grocer donations, JFS Orlando purchased additional food from Second Harvest Food Bank, https://www.restaurantji.com/fl/orlando/second-harvest-food-bank-of-central-florida-/ which allowed them to continue providing food assistance when the need was at its highest. In 2020, the Pantry saw an increase of nearly double the number of households it usually serves and provided food for approximately 189,000 meals to individuals and families across Central Florida.

"With food pick-ups from Sprouts starting up again, the Pantry will now be fully stocked with a wider variety of food, including more fresh produce, meats, and prepared meals," said Audrey Cohen, JFS Orlando program coordinator.

Food pick-ups from grocery partners, including Sprouts Farmers Market, is provided through Second Harvest Food Bank's Grocery Alliance program.

For more information on JFS Orlando and its other programs, visit http://www.JFSorlando.org or follow them on social media @JFSorlando.

If you would like more information about JFS Orlando's Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry, please contact Heather Petrusky, assistant director, at Heather.Petrusky@JFSorlando.org or 407-644-7593, ext. 287.