JCCs of Greater Philadelphia

Cook for a Friend
Our Cook for a Friend program is a community nased program comprising more than 500 volunteers of synagogues and youth groups who purchase, prepare, package and freeze nutritious Kosher meals for chronically ill and homebound seniors over 60 years of age. Some groups pay for the raw materials as part of their mitzvah, large groups are sometimes reimbursed. We supply all packaging and give guidelines to all groups. Volunteer drivers, most of them seniors, deliver these meals weekly. While we do request a small donation to help defray the costs, clients are never refused if they are unable to pay.

In the year 2006, the JCCs Stiffel Senior Center and the JCCs Klein Branch delivered over 40,000 meals. We have approximately 30 cooking groups, some cook on a regular basis; others cook for special events, such as a synagogue Mitzvah Day. Our purpose is to help support those seniors who wish to age in place, independently, do so as long as they can live safely in their homes.

Referrals come from social service agencies, clergy, hospitals, family, neighbors and self referral. They are screened and assessed by a social worker who evaluates client's ability to prepare meals, immediacy of need, social support and adequacy of kitchen facilties. If necessary, a home visit is arranged and additional services are ordered or referrals made. CFF is able to make initial deliveries on very short notice.

For more information, please contact our In-Home Support Program at 215-698-7300 x190.

Kosher Meals on Wheels
The JCCs Klein Branch Kosher Meals on Wheels program delivers frozen, microwaveable dinners for seniors and those with chronic illness. These meals are prepared by Betty the Caterer. Meal choices include chicken, meat, dairy and fish selections. We often add soup, juice, bread or baked goods when they are available.

The area that are served are Northeast Philadelphia, Abington and Cheltenham Townships. These include the following zip codes: 19111, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19027, 19095, 19149 and 19152.

The program is located at the JCCs Klein Branch at 10100 Jamison Avenue. It is directed by the Emergency Food Coordinator, who supervises a group of dedicated volunteers who pack and deliver the meals.

The contribution per mean is a modest $4. For more information, please call 215-698-7300 x197.

Home Delivered Meals programs are partially funded by grants from the Citizens Bank Foundation, W. W. Smith Charitable Trust, The Rabbi's Fund, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, the Board of Directors of City Trusts, Philly Meals on Wheels, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Passover League, Rueben & Molly Gordon Foundation and other community organizations and individuals.