Over the past few weeks, as Jewish families prepared for Passover amid soaring food prices, Met Council led a massive food relief effort to ensure that more than 250,000 food-insecure Jewish Americans could celebrate the holiday with dignity.
With grocery costs skyrocketing—some items increasing by 40% since last year and over 200% from pre-pandemic prices—Met Council distributed millions of pounds of free kosher-for-Passover food across 185 distribution sites in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida. Working in partnership with local food pantries, synagogues and community organizations, it coordinated efforts helped struggling families access the essential foods needed for a proper Passover seder.
This year’s distribution was supported by major partners, including Deb El Food Products, which donated millions of eggs—one of the most expensive and hardest-to-find holiday staples—providing crucial relief to families hit hardest by inflation. A Special thanks to UJA-Federation of New York for supporting this Passover food distribution effort.
Met Council’s Passover food packages included traditional holiday essentials such as matzah, kosher-for-Passover chicken, gefilte fish, tuna and grape juice, along with pantry staples like apple sauce, biscotti, borscht, cake mix, chopped walnuts, cocoa powder, jam, lemon juice, macaroons, matzah meal, potato starch, sugar, tomato sauce and vinegar. Families also received fresh fruits and vegetables, including mandarin oranges, peaches, pickles and potatoes, ensuring that they had everything necessary for a meaningful holiday celebration.
More than 30 elected officials joined Met Council’s efforts over the past few weeks, emphasizing the urgent need for food assistance as inflation continues to squeeze household budgets. Events were held across all five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut, New Jersey and Florida, making it easier than ever for families to receive high-quality kosher food in a dignified and respectful manner.
“This Passover, families across our community face unprecedented financial strain due to skyrocketing food costs, but Met Council is there to ensure that no one has to choose between paying for rent, medicine or putting food on the table,” said Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield. “Thanks to the generosity of our partners and donors, we provide vital food relief to more than a quarter of a million Jewish Americans during the most expensive time of year for Jewish families.”
Hannah Lupien, managing director of food programs at Met Council, highlighted the impact of this year’s campaign: “We work around the clock to get food into the hands of those who needed it most, and we are incredibly grateful to Deb El Food Products and all of our partners for making this historic effort possible.”
As inflation and economic uncertainty affect families year-round, Met Council remains committed to fighting food insecurity and expanding its efforts beyond Passover. By leveraging partnerships with government agencies, corporate sponsors and community organizations, Met Council continues to serve as the leading force in providing emergency food assistance to Jewish families in need.
For more information or to support Met Council’s efforts, see: passover.metcouncil.org.