Since our establishment in 1917, The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) has been a source of hope and nourishment for our community, providing meals and groceries to individuals and families in need. Last year alone, through the Max Block Food Pantry and our satellite locations, we provided more than 284,800 meals to over 31,600 individuals — each one a reminder that someone cares. With our recent renovations, we’re able to open our doors wider, respond more quickly, and meet the increasingly urgent and complex needs of the people who turn to us.
Named after Max “Mickey” Block, the pantry has consistently risen to meet the challenge of food insecurity in Jacksonville. Mickey is remembered for his generosity and philanthropy to many Jewish and community agencies. His strong community ties reflected his compassion, readiness to serve, and charitable spirit. After his passing in 2015, the Block Family honored his legacy by naming the food pantry after him in 2016.
Located at our Dupont location, the Max Block Food Pantry is currently running a Match Challenge through September 30. For every dollar you donate, the Block Family will match the gift, doubling the impact of your contribution.
For many years, the pantry has been a lifeline, distributing thousands of pounds of nutritious, non-perishable food to our neighbors. Thanks to our recent expansion, including new refrigerators and a walk-in freezer, we can now double our capacity and offer a greater variety of fresh, frozen, and kosher foods. This means more families can enjoy wholesome meals and more children can go to bed nourished.
“Inadequate access to quality food hinders families from living self-sufficient lives. Food is more than sustenance; it’s an essential resource that creates a sense of security for people”
— Marilyn Darius, Financial Assistance and Food Pantry Manager, JFCS
Our level of outreach goes above and beyond thanks to our devoted volunteers, who are the heart and hands of the Max Block Food Pantry. The combined efforts of our satellite and pop-up pantries have extended critical relief beyond the reach of our Dupont location. Once a month, we deliver much-needed food through our monthly satellite pantries at Riverside High School and Beauclerc Elementary. We also feed families through our weekly pop-up pantries at Oceanway Middle School, His Kids Daycare and Learning Center, Super Ducks Daycare, and Matthew Gilbert Middle School. Across all of our pantry locations, whether they’re delivering food, stocking shelves, or warmly greeting guests, our dedicated volunteers ensure that everyone who comes to us for food assistance feels welcome and supported.
Ongoing renovations will make it even easier for guests to access the pantry and see that help is here.
“For many folks, the food we provide is often the only meal they’ll have that day. That’s why we’re stepping up our game. Expanding the Max Block Food Pantry, and creating a more well-rounded experience will make a meaningful difference for our clients, and for the volunteers and staff who give so much to support them.”
— Colleen L. Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, JFCS
We also serve those with limited cooking facilities, from individuals experiencing homelessness to families living in hotels. Our expanded space allows us to provide personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and sanitary products. These are small essentials that make a big difference in dignity and daily life. And, at the same location, our Fanny Landwirth Clothing Closet offers clothing for infants through age 14, helping children feel comfortable, confident, and cared for.
Food is at the heart of what we do, but it’s only the beginning. As we look ahead, we invite you to be part of this mission — a mission rooted in compassion, service, and the belief that no one should face hunger alone. With your support, the Max Block Food Pantry will keep meeting evolving needs and sustaining our neighbors for generations to come.
NOW through SEPTEMBER 30, all donations made to the Max Block Food Pantry will be generously matched by the Block Family.
Donate today and your impact will be doubled!
Special thanks to those so far who, through their gifts, have made the recent renovations at the Max Block Food Pantry and the Fanny Landwirth Clothing Closet possible:
Ilene Schinasi
The Berman Family Foundation
The Landwirth Family
If you would like to join them in supporting our expansion please contact Susie Menaged at SMenaged@jfcsjax.org for more information.