“You’d be surprised who’s in the food pantry line. It’s working families, our seniors on fixed incomes. We used to have a limit of you could come four times a year. Now we’re saying you can come every month, because some people are relying on our food to eat, and if they don’t get it, they’re not eating.”
— Colleen Rodriguez, CEO, JFCS
JFCS CEO Colleen Rodriguez joined This Week in the 904 to discuss recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
During the conversation, Colleen highlighted how the Max Block Food Pantry is supporting individuals and families throughout our community, while also addressing how potential legislative changes could lead to further funding cuts, placing additional pressure on JFCS and other nonprofit agencies across Jacksonville.
The numbers reflect the growing challenge. Last fiscal year, through our Max Block Food Pantry and satellite locations, we provided 415,206 meals to more than 46,134 individuals, representing a 45% increase in meals distributed compared to the previous year.
While JFCS is rooted in Jewish values, our services are available to people of all faiths and backgrounds. You do not have to be Jewish to receive food assistance from the Max Block Food Pantry or benefit from our other programs. As Colleen shared during the discussion:
“There’s a Jewish value, Tikkun Olam, to repair the world, to make the world around you better. And that’s the mission that drives us. Over 80% of the clients who come to us throughout our various programs are not Jewish. So you do not have to be Jewish to receive services.”
Through our Jacksonville and Macclenny locations, along with community-based satellite pantries, we are working to make nutritious food more accessible to people facing financial hardship. With generous support from the Block Family and our partnerships with Feeding Florida and Feeding Northeast Florida, our services help families stretch limited resources, ease the strain on household budgets, and maintain a greater sense of stability during difficult times.
Just as importantly, we recognize that seeking assistance can be difficult. We strive to welcome every person with compassion and respect, providing a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and help is readily available.
As demand continues to rise, the support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners remains essential. Together, we can help ensure that fewer of our neighbors must choose between buying groceries and meeting other basic needs, empowering individuals and families to regain their footing, maintain their dignity, and move toward a more secure future.
Learn more about the Max Block Food Pantry, including how to receive assistance or support our work, at https://jfcsjax.org/Hunger.