JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry Prepares for Spring Holidays
With Ramadan underway and Passover quickly approaching, the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry has been busy filling the shelves with important holiday staples so every family can have a full and meaningful celebration without the burden of food insecurity.
After months of careful preparation, the Passover pantry is stocked with matzo, horseradish, gefilte fish, salmon, macaroons, chocolate, nuts, kosher for Passover breakfast cereals, and more. Volunteers will help us clean our kosher shelves to remove any remaining traces of leaven, after which we will cover them until the end of Passover. Rabbi Itkin will visit to conduct the formal sale of our chametz (leavened products) for the week of Passover. During this time, we will pause all bread donations from Costco and Giant Eagle and ensure that no leavened products are included in our regular food bank deliveries.
We are also proud to serve the local Muslim community. As one of only four pantries in Southwestern Pennsylvania that can consistently provide halal meats, we have become a trusted resource for families who rely on these options. In preparation for Ramadan, we added dates and mint tea to our offerings, which are traditionally enjoyed after the daily fast. Our families who keep halal have been very appreciative, and we are pleased to offer something that makes our space feel even more welcoming and inclusive.
We are thankful to the generous donors and volunteers who ensure that all of our neighbors can have a meaningful holiday.
Make an Impact
Your gift today provides stability, dignity, and nutrition. Every gift allows us to provide healthy meals to your neighbors in need.
Donate Needed Items
If you’d like to donate food items, we’ve put together a helpful list to guide your shopping. You can drop off donations Monday – Friday from 9 am – 12:15 pm and Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm.
- Canned fruit
- Canned tomatoes
- Tinned fish
- Breakfast items (cereal, granola bars, etc.)
- Feminine hygiene products
All contributions are greatly appreciated!
*Please bring unopened, unexpired, non-perishable items in non-breakable packaging. Please, NO glass jars or bottles!
We are here to support you and your family
If you or someone you know needs food, reach out to us. Our food assistance provides individuals and families with a wide variety of non-perishable items, eggs, fresh produce, frozen meat, and hygiene items.
Call us today to get connected: 412.421.2708.
JFCS in Harrisburg
Last month, JFCS COO Dana Gold joined Governor Shapiro in Harrisburg, alongside fellow members of The Collaborative for Immigrant Impact and immigrant‑serving organizations from across the Commonwealth, to discuss how we can best protect immigrants in Pennsylvania.
Pro Bono Attorneys Support Haitian Clients Facing Loss of Temporary Protected Status
Last month, JFCS partnered with the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center, the Allegheny County Bar Association, and the Washington County Bar Association to host a pro bono legal clinic, where a dozen lawyers volunteered their time and expertise to support individuals whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is at risk.
At the clinic, the lawyers helped clients make plans in case they are detained or deported, including plans for their children, finances, and their home or apartment. They also helped clients decide how to protect their personal belongings and assisted them in preparing power of attorney documents.
We are deeply grateful to the lawyers who donated their time and to our partner organizations for working with us to make this event possible.
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With different workshops every week, you will learn skills and build confidence to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
Have you been browsing open positions? Are you curious about the benefits and onboarding process at local Pittsburgh businesses? Now’s your chance to talk face-to-face with recruiters from the University of Pittsburgh, Birgo Realty, and more at our employer information sessions. Follow the link below to register.
SWAG Award Nomination
We are proud that JFCS will be recognized as an Organization of the Year Nominee at the 6th Annual Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness (SWAG) Awards on March 7!
This nomination is a testament to our commitment to supporting, employing, and empowering social workers and to fostering a workplace culture where heart work truly thrives.
Get the support you need today
JFCS is here to support you through life’s changes and challenges. Whether you’re interested in caregiver support, grief support, career support, or help with other life challenges, we’re here for you. Head to our website to get the help you need, today.