Help Fight Hunger with CRC

Benefiting the JFS Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry

August–September 2026

This High Holy Days season, as we gather for worship, reflection, and celebration, let’s also put our Jewish values into action. Throughout our High Holy Days services and celebrations, CRC is collecting food for the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services (JFS). With food pantries facing growing demand and dramatically reduced federal support, our community’s help is needed more than ever.

The need is growing

The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry is seeing more people turn to its shelves for help at the same time that federal food resources are shrinking.

So far in 2026, the pantry has welcomed 363 first-time clients. Meanwhile, the amount of USDA food it received during the first six months of the year fell from 356,775 pounds in 2025 to 172,485 pounds in 2026—a 50% reduction.

JFS is working hard to make up the difference by purchasing additional groceries, seeking discounted food, negotiating with vendors, and strengthening community partnerships. But community donations remain essential to keeping nutritious food available for our neighbors.

This is where we can help.

A High Holy Days mitzvah

The High Holy Days invite us to reflect on who we are, how we live, and how we care for one another. Food security is about more than nourishment. It is about health, dignity, stability, and knowing that your community cares. So as we come together at CRC this season, bring something with you for a neighbor who could use a helping hand.

Bring a can. Fill a bag. Help fight hunger.

Most-needed items

When you come to CRC for High Holy Days services and celebrations, bring along a few items for the food drive. The pantry is especially in need of:

• Tuna and chicken — canned or pouches

• Peanut butter and jelly

• Soup, chili, and stews

• Canned fruits and vegetables

• Pasta and pasta sauce

Please: No glass containers.

Please do not donate

To ensure that donations can safely be distributed, the pantry is unable to accept:

• Canned or boxed food that is past its “sell by,” “use by,” “best by,” or expiration date

• Severely dented cans

• Open containers

• Medications, vitamins, or supplements

• Energy drinks with a warning label

• Glass containers

Bring your donations to CRC throughout the High Holy Days

Food donations can be dropped off at CRC during our High Holy Days services and celebrations.

Central Reform Congregation
5020 Waterman Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108

Thank you for helping CRC turn the values of the High Holy Days into action—and for helping ensure that our neighbors have access to the food they need.

Together, we can help keep the pantry shelves stocked and our community nourished.