JCC Cares supports food equity through service

JCC Cares supports food equity through service

Anneleise Thompson | Adult, Senior and Volunteer Program Manager

Food equity, the idea that everyone should have access to nutritious and sufficient food, is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and values. Jewish Long Beach, through our JCC Cares programs, embraces the Jewish principles of tikkun olam (repairing the world), chesed (loving-kindness), and tzedakah (charity) to address issues like food insecurity while we seek to foster a supportive community. Our collaboration with service partners like Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles (OBKLA) highlights how these values can be translated into impactful action.

OBKLA is a non-denominational, community-run kitchen that prepares Kosher meals for those in need across Los Angeles. The organization’s mission embodies tikkun olam, emphasizing the importance of kind deeds in making a positive impact on the world. Last year, OBKLA’s volunteers prepared over 70,000 meals, reflecting the collective effort to ensure no one goes hungry.

Jewish texts provide a historical and ethical framework for addressing food insecurity. Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19-22 instruct farmers to leave parts of their harvest for the poor and the stranger, reminding us of our duty to those less fortunate. These teachings resonate today, urging us to support vulnerable members of our community through actions inspired by our values and history.

In our modern context, this might translate into supporting urban agriculture, participating in food drives, or volunteering with organizations like OBKLA. By engaging in such activities, we not only help those in need but also strengthen the fabric of our community. With JCC Cares, we believe in the power of community and compassion to drive change. Through our programs and partnerships, we aim to inspire and mobilize individuals to take steps towards food equity, ensuring that everyone has access to the nutritious food they need for a healthy life. By embodying the Jewish values of tikkun olam, chesed, and tzedakah, we can make meaningful strides in repairing the world, one meal at a time.

We invite you to join us on August 5th for a special service project at OBKLA.

This event is open to individuals and families with children ages 5 and up, offering a unique opportunity to engage in intergenerational, hands-on service while learning about Jewish values and traditions. Participants will not only help prepare meals for those in need but also delve into Jewish service learning, exploring texts and discussions that highlight the importance of service in the name of food inequity. This enriching experience aims to foster a deeper understanding of how our actions can contribute to repairing the world, creating a compassionate and just community. You can find more information and register to attend on our website.