On November 1, federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were not transferred to millions of beneficiaries for the first time in United States history due to a government shutdown. Although the 43-day shutdown ended on November 12, the delay in funding prevented states from issuing full monthly SNAP benefits as normally scheduled.
Immediately, individuals and organizations across the country collected food and monetary donations, handed out groceries and meals, and even converted Little Free Libraries into Little Free Pantries. Here in Central Florida, the S’firot Foundation stepped up to help in a big way by issuing a $30,000 emergency grant to JFS Orlando’s Pearlman Food Pantry in Winter Park.
Funded by the proceeds of the sale of Kinneret Apartments, the S’firot Foundation was incorporated in September 2022 to invest in programs that enhance the wellness and well-being of older Jewish adults across Central Florida. The Foundation had just begun its grantmaking strategy with potential for pilot grants when the pause on SNAP benefits made its first grant priority clear.
Making an Impact
“The Foundation and the board believe that we have a responsibility to act where we see the need,” says Wayne Green, executive director of the S’firot Foundation. “The grant was going to an agency that is guided by Jewish values and aligns with the work we are going to do.”
Rhonda Pearlman, S’firot board president, is very familiar with the pantry’s impact. Her in-laws established the Pearlman Food Pantry more than 40 years ago, and it has grown from a closet-sized space to one of the largest pantries in Central Florida, says Philip Flynn, president of JFS Orlando (Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando).
“Craig and Rhonda Pearlman have been actively involved in designing the business model, providing financial support, and coming in when I need them,” says Philip.
He also credits the couple’s son Ross with improving the pantry’s efficiency by introducing carts and flow racks for packing food. Volunteers and staff regularly pack sets, which are two paper grocery bags filled with enough food for two people for 10 days.
Now More Than Ever
Even without the recent pause in SNAP funding, the pantry was anticipating an uptick in need during the busy holiday months of November and December.
“We’re built around a model of seeing 6 people per 15 minutes,” says Philip. “But with the shutdown, we were averaging 18 every 15 minutes. Thankfully volunteers came in to help. Our phones were ringing off the hook.”
JFS Orlando purchases food through Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida at a reduced rate, allowing the pantry to turn each dollar into eight dollars of purchasing power. The pantry’s van also picks up fresh fruit, vegetables, and bread from Publix, Whole Foods Market, and other local grocery stores. And recently, Philip reached out to the Walmart Foundation, which provided gift cards specifically designated for baby food, formula, and diaper purchases that JFS Orlando could distribute to clients electronically, eliminating the additional barrier of transportation.
Pantry hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by appointment.
“We always work by appointment,” says Philip. “However, we have a rule: If you show up, we will get you food.”
The S’firot Foundation is helping the Pearlman Food Pantry honor that rule. JFS Orlando plays a vital role in serving the Jewish and broader community, including older adults. The S’firot Foundation’s mission is to meet the needs of Jewish older adults where they access services, and this grant directly responds to that urgent and growing need.
“It’s a wonderful emerging powerhouse,” says Philip about the Foundation. “I expect I will see tremendous impact on the Jewish community of Central Florida and Central Florida as a whole. We’re the first check they disbursed, and we’re humbled by it and grateful for it.”
This story can be seen in the Winter 2025 edition of JLife Magazine at: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/112559175/38/