JCS Kosher Food Pantry celebrates 15 years of compassion and community

PROVIDENCE – May marked a significant milestone for The Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry –  for 15 years, the pantry, in partnership with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, has provided nutritious kosher food to individuals and families in need.

Established during the Great Recession as the first kosher food pantry in Rhode Island,  the Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry has been a testament to the enduring values of tikkun olam – repairing the world – and communal solidarity. From its humble beginnings in 2009, operating out of the former Jewish Seniors Agency of R.I. office on Niantic Avenue in Providence, to its current home at Jewish Collaborative Services, at 1165 North Main St., the pantry has continuously evolved to meet the needs of the community.

Led by Kristany Jaycox, the pantry coordinator, and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, the pantry has become a lifeline for over 200 households each month. Open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for “shopping,” and offering delivery options for those unable to visit in person, the pantry ensures that no one in the community goes hungry.

The dedication and selflessness of the pantry’s volunteers have been integral to its success. From shopping, stocking and bagging food to delivering groceries,  volunteers have played a pivotal role in upholding the pantry’s mission. Their commitment to service illustrates the spirit of community and compassion that defines the Kosher Food Pantry.

Over the years, the pantry has had a profound impact on the health and wellness of the Jewish community, particularly during times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, highlighted the vital role of the Kosher Food Pantry in providing nutritious food and essential household and personal-care supplies to people facing unprecedented challenges.

With the support of generous donors and community partners, including the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the Rhode Island Foundation and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, in addition to many generous individual donors, the pantry has been able to expand its outreach efforts and enhance its operational capabilities.

As the pantry celebrates its 15th anniversary, the staff and volunteers look to the future with optimism and a determination to serve all in need.

The food pantry accepts kosher food donations. Current food items that would be especially helpful include canned salmon, sardines, jellies/jams and toiletries. For more information, email Kristany Jaycox, pantry coordinator, at Kristany@jcsri.org, or call 401-415-8218.

To make a financial gift, go to https://jcsri.org/donate/donate-now and designate your gift for The Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry.

If you are interested in volunteering with the pantry, email volunteer coordinator Laura Cole, at Laura@jcsri.org.

JESSICA MURPHY HOARD is senior manager of marketing and communications at Jewish Collaborative Services.