4 Jewish social service agencies on the state of Canadian food insecurity
- Grant Goodman
- Dec 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Across Canada, Jewish social service organizations are stepping up to meet the growing challenges of food insecurity by providing crucial support to individuals and families. From Toronto to Montreal to Vancouver to Ottawa, their work is rooted in Jewish values of compassion, dignity, and community. Here’s a closer look at four organizations making a profound impact in their communities.
Click > next to a program name to read about their work.
United Chesed of Toronto
United Chesed is a lifeline for Jewish families facing food in Toronto. Through an extensive network of mutual aid, United Chesed provides emergency financial support to members of Toronto's Jewish community on their worst day: whether they are facing the threat of eviction or struggling to put food on the table, United Chesed provides support.
Over the past two years, United Chesed has witnessed a dramatic increase in demand, with calls for assistance doubling. "We want to provide for everyone, but we’re struggling to keep up".
"Fundraising used to be enough. We never used to turn anyone away. Now we spend more time fundraising, but we still can’t raise enough to support our clients like we used to."
As a small organization with a flexible, deeply human approach to helping community members in need, United Chesed often ends up supporting people who struggle to access adequate support from larger food aid providers. "Most people don't know how much bureaucracy is involved in getting help from a big food bank, or from the government... there are so many forms to fill out. These processes are obstacles - especially for seniors, and people with English as a second language."
Bikur Cholim of Montreal
For Bikur Cholim of Montreal, feeding people is about much more than food. The organization began by serving Jewish community members in its immediate vicinity, but has now expanded to support aging individuals facing steep declines in their health and independence across a large swath of the greater Montreal area. Volunteers who once drove just ten minutes to deliver kosher meals now travel much farther.
"The cost of food has skyrocketed, and demand has followed suit... we’ve gone from delivering meals to providing social assistance. It’s not just about food—it’s about connection and care."
Like other organizations profiled in this piece, Bikur Cholim emphasized the often-overlooked struggles of Jewish individuals facing financial insecurity. “Even within the Jewish community there’s a perception that all Jewish people are doing well, but [with rising costs] many who worked hard their whole lives are now struggling to get by.”
Bikur Cholim ensures its meals meet kosher standards so that clients can maintain their observances without compromise. Their holistic approach includes not only meal delivery but also visitations and accompaniment to medical appointments, providing a connection and care for seniors experiencing isolation.
Jewish Family Services Vancouver
In Vancouver, Jewish Family Services (JFS) is tackling food insecurity with an innovative community hub model that supports individuals and families across the Lower Mainland. As Vancouver's housing costs continue to soar and cost of living becomes increasingly unaffordable, more and more people are turning to JFS for help.
.
“People don’t realize how many families are touched by hunger... even dual-income households and employed individuals are struggling. Recently, we’ve seen a significant influx of Israeli newcomers who often have to wait months for work permits. While they wait for their permits, we're there for them."
What sets JFS apart is their profound commitment to dignity. The organization works diligently to avoid long lines and impersonal service, ensuring every client feels welcome and respected. "As Jews, we don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed about asking for help."
Ottawa Kosher Food Bank
In the small Jewish community of Ottawa, the Ottawa Kosher Food Bank serves approximately 140 families. As the only kosher food bank in the city, it provides a critical service to Jewish families while addressing unique dietary requirements.
“Our biggest challenge is giving people more of what they need. More people need our help than ever before."
Despite receiving some supplies from the Ottawa Food Bank, donations have dropped significantly since the pandemic, forcing the organization to put greater emphasis on fundraising - which is difficult with so many worthy causes competing for Jewish tzedakah.
"We’re struggling to fund our monthly gift card program. It’s heartbreaking."
The food bank’s Jewish identity is at the core of its operations. The team takes a personalized approach to their work, ensuring every client is treated with flexibility and compassion. "The Jewish aspect gives us a heart," they shared. "It’s about working with people in all their variation and meeting them where they are. That’s not something larger food banks can always do."
Each of these organizations reflects the unique strengths of Jewish social service work: a deep commitment to dignity, an emphasis on connection, and an unwavering focus on meeting both physical and emotional needs. Whether by ensuring the availability of kosher meals, or offering flexible, client-centered support, they highlight the profound impact of helping people without asking them to compromise their dignity, identity or values. They remind us that food insecurity is not just a financial or nutritional issue— it’s a communal one.
The programs spotlighted in this piece are just 4 of Mazon’s 242 partner agencies. Each program has a story to tell, and a community to support. But they need our help to do it. With a donation to Mazon, you can support the invisible, indispensable work being done by our network of incredible partners across Canada. If this work compels you, consider making a gift that feeds the hungry - either to Mazon, or to one of the amazing programs profiled in this piece.
Incorporate weightlifting to build powerful leg muscles. Exercises like squats and deadlifts enhance explosiveness speed stars
These agencies are doing amazing work, but without steady support, their impact might slow down. Just like geometry dash apk needs updates to stay active, real change here depends on constant care, not just one-time focus.
There’s something undeniably addictive about Drift Boss. The mechanics are easy to understand: press to drift, release to go straight. But the true genius lies in its level design. The path shifts, curves, and teases you into making mistakes—then dares you to try again.
Each slice Slice Master is made to feel fantastic by the smooth animation and gratifying sound effects. As you play the game more, it becomes better and better.