Sukkot campaign promotes hunger relief
UJA-Federation of New York exemplifies holiday tradition of gathering farm-fresh produce from four corners of fields for distribution to needy
This eight-region volunteer food drive, which exemplifies the Sukkot tradition of gathering farm-fresh produce from the four corners of the fields for distribution to the needy, will help low-income individuals receive fresh fruits and vegetables, while educating people about nutrition.
Care to Share, which coincides with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, is taking place in New York City from October 3 to 18.
During this time people who belong to one of Hazon’s community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, where individuals purchase a certain amount of produce from a local farm, will be encouraged to voluntarily donate a portion of their yield for distribution to local food pantries.
The community at large can participate as well by donating fresh produce, either purchased or from their own garden, at any participating CSA site location throughout New York City, Westchester, and Long Island.
“Too many children and families in New York struggle every day with hunger and have no access to the nutritional foods that many of us take for granted,” said John S. Ruskay, executive vice president and CEO of UJA-Federation of New York.
“Care to Share gives us an opportunity to bring attention to the important cause of hunger relief through Jewish customs and traditions and allows us to take vital steps towards helping the less fortunate among us experience both physical and spiritual nourishment.”
“Hazon is delighted to partner with UJA-Federation of New York, Americorps, and Met Council in Care to Share this fall and symbolically fulfill the agricultural mitzvah of leket (gleaning) with Hazon's Community-Supported Agriculture sites,” said Carol Cook, acting executive director of Hazon.
“Our national network of 57 Hazon CSAs in Jewish community centers and synagogues puts Jewish purchasing power behind local family farms, brings healthful and locally-grown food into Jewish homes, and already donates over 30,000 lbs of food to local emergency food providers annually.
"Through Care to Share each and every one of us has the opportunity to further our commitment to pursuing a just food system for all.”
Though rooted in Jewish custom and values, Care to Share is open to community members of all backgrounds. Through the support of UJA-Federation, anyone with access to fresh produce can partake in this tradition and help a growing number of New York families combat food insecurity.
For more information, please visit http://www.ujafedny.org/sukkot/
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