BOCA RATON, Fla. — As the battle against hunger wears on, volunteers with the Jewish community are giving back.
Across the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, organizations are participating in a "United Rosh Hashanah Meal Drive" and delivering free meals to senior citizens and homebound residents.
Food will also be distributed to families in need of hunger relief.
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Over the weekend, Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services in Boca Raton distributed packages to 300 households in South Palm Beach County.
Each bag of groceries contained traditional festive meal items, including challah bread, apples and honey to last through the Jewish High Holidays.
"It is so meaningful at the start of a new year to think of others," said Belinda Lasky, director of volunteer services for Alpert JFS. "We are grateful to those who volunteer, giving their time and talents throughout the year."
Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Services, the Jewish Volunteer Center of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and the Kind Kitchen of Palm Beach are planning to deliver about 2,000 meals across the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.
"At the Kind Kitchen, we will start the new year off on the right note [by] sharing and caring," said Chana Ezagui, owner of The Kind Kitchen. "We will bring warmth and the taste of tradition to the homes of the elderly and Holocaust survivors in need."
The nonprofit organization provides weekly kosher meals to those in need, from the elderly to single mothers and people with a terminal illness.
"It is a gift to see our community come together to care for those in need during the Jewish New Year," said Melissa Hudson, Director, Jewish Volunteer Center. "Through our volunteer collaboration, we are honoring the Jewish value of G' milut Chasadim, acts of loving-kindness, and that feels good for all who deliver and receive meals."
Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the Jewish New Year and begins this Friday evening at sundown.
To sponsor a Rosh Hashanah meal or donate to The Kind Kitchen,visit their website or call 561-596-7539.