FOOD PROGRAMS
The Hatzilu Rescue Organization maintains one of the largest kosher food warehouses in Long Island, New York. The location of the warehouse has changed through the years, but the goal has always been the same - help provide food for those who need it. During Hatzilu's early days, Hatzilu had a storefront in Brooklyn and people would come to the store to get food. Later when Hatzilu shifted to Long Island, the food was housed in the garage of a legendary past Hatzilu president, Al Nevins. Afterwards, the warehouse was located at South Shore Ice in Roosevelt. That location worked out for many years, but in time, Hatzilu needed more space, and moved to South Baldwin Jewish Center. On June 9, 2013 the Hatzilu warehouse at SBJC was dedicated to Al Nevins and named after him. At the current warehouse, Hatzilu stocks a full assortment of non-perishable foods. Since the warehouse has a large, commercial freezer, chicken, fish, and other items that can be frozen are also offered whenever possible.
One thing that separates Hatzilu from all other organizations, is our group of volunteers that deliver food directly to the homes of our clients. This system removes all obstacles that can prevent clients from getting food. Some clients don't drive or own a car, or can't afford the expense of traveling to a food pantry or soup kitchen. Some clients are too ill to get out. There are many issues, but Hatzilu removes them all with this system. Additionally, delivering the food provides an opportunity to visit the clients. Most of the clients appreciate the visit as much as the food! The Hatzilu volunteers select food based on each client's specific needs, whether that be gluten-free, diabetic friendly or low sodium.
Hatzilu gets pallets of food regularly from L.I. Cares, in addition to other sources throughout the year:
The Hatzilu Rescue Organization is very grateful for all the many food donations.
One thing that separates Hatzilu from all other organizations, is our group of volunteers that deliver food directly to the homes of our clients. This system removes all obstacles that can prevent clients from getting food. Some clients don't drive or own a car, or can't afford the expense of traveling to a food pantry or soup kitchen. Some clients are too ill to get out. There are many issues, but Hatzilu removes them all with this system. Additionally, delivering the food provides an opportunity to visit the clients. Most of the clients appreciate the visit as much as the food! The Hatzilu volunteers select food based on each client's specific needs, whether that be gluten-free, diabetic friendly or low sodium.
Hatzilu gets pallets of food regularly from L.I. Cares, in addition to other sources throughout the year:
- Island Harvest
- rockCANroll
- Tikkun Alliance's "Pack it up for Purim" food drive
- High Holiday food drives from Nassau County Synogogues
- Shomrim Society Passover food drive
- B'Nai Mitvah Program
The Hatzilu Rescue Organization is very grateful for all the many food donations.
Midway Jewish Center participates in a CSA, Community Supported Agriculture*
This is a great example of a Long Island synagogue helping Hatzilu clients. Midway receives its CSA shares every Wednesday delivered directly to Midway Jewish Center. From time to time, the people who have paid for this farm fresh produce do not pick up their veggies. On those occasions, those running the program at Midway offer it to Hatzilu clients that live near Midway. The CSA volunteers from Midway have kindly offered to deliver the food to the Hatzilu clients. The organic, farm fresh produce is a fantastic addition to Hatzilu's regular food assistance program!
*Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a relationship of mutual support and commitment between farmers and members. In return for an annual membership fee to cover the production costs of the farm, CSA members receive a weekly share of the highest quality, organically-grown harvest during the local growing season. When members obtain food from local farmers, they are directly supporting small, family farms in their community as well as receiving the freshest available produce. The season runs for 26 weeks from June through November. Delivery is weekly.
This is a great example of a Long Island synagogue helping Hatzilu clients. Midway receives its CSA shares every Wednesday delivered directly to Midway Jewish Center. From time to time, the people who have paid for this farm fresh produce do not pick up their veggies. On those occasions, those running the program at Midway offer it to Hatzilu clients that live near Midway. The CSA volunteers from Midway have kindly offered to deliver the food to the Hatzilu clients. The organic, farm fresh produce is a fantastic addition to Hatzilu's regular food assistance program!
*Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a relationship of mutual support and commitment between farmers and members. In return for an annual membership fee to cover the production costs of the farm, CSA members receive a weekly share of the highest quality, organically-grown harvest during the local growing season. When members obtain food from local farmers, they are directly supporting small, family farms in their community as well as receiving the freshest available produce. The season runs for 26 weeks from June through November. Delivery is weekly.
On the left is Linda Weiss, social action chair for Midway Jewish Center, holding veggies that were picked earlier that day. Linda came up with the idea to offer surplus shares of farm fresh produce to families in need.
On the right is a group of CSA members picking up their weekly share of farm fresh produce from Midway Jewish Center. |