JFSLA Newsletter - August 2021
JFS SOVA Community Food & Resource Program Hosts Grocery Pop-Up in Canoga Park
The JFS SOVA Community Food & Resource Program (JFS SOVA) recently partnered with New Economics for Women in Canoga Park for a free grocery pop-up to serve families in the area. The pop-up, which ran every Friday afternoon from May 21st to June 25th, served about 50 households each week.
Along with its unique method of delivery, which included both drive-through and walk-through options, JFS SOVA piloted a nutritionally sound, standard menu. Clients received large boxes that included food staples such as rice, beans, peanut butter, tuna, shelf-stable liquid milk, canned staples, and cereal. Clients were also given a fresh produce box, which our organization receives from the LA Regional Food Bank at no cost.
Tiffany Sgueglia, Director of JFS SOVA, believes there is a lot of potential in the idea of meeting people where they are, both physically and mentally.
“Driving through a pop-up near your house or your kids’ school is a different experience than going to a food pantry. For many, this option comes with less stigma, more anonymity, and may help clients feel more comfortable as they see their friends and neighbors attending as well”, she said. “Additionally, some clients may have some trouble finding our pantries in the Valley and the city, but this type of partnership with already established community partners is meeting the client where they are.”
The Canoga Park pop-up was made possible thanks to the efforts of JFS SOVA staff members Felice Resnick, Kathi Dawidowicz, and Dennis Schoenrock. Felice, Coordinator Volunteer Services, was able to recruit a cadre of volunteers for a program that was not only new to them, but her as well. Kathi, Supply & Inventory Coordinator, led and increased the production of the grocery boxes and executed all the transportation logistics. Dennis, Pantry Operations Manager, led the distribution, continuously providing detailed debriefs and quality improvement.
JFS SOVA Community Food & Resource Program has plans to host another grocery pop-up in the San Fernando Valley soon.
For more information about JFS SOVA, click here.
To donate to JFS SOVA, click here.