Until a couple of years ago, I was firmly ensconced in the middle class. We made contributions to a variety of charities. We belonged to a temple, encouraged the children to be involved in the youth group, and I volunteered for different social action projects, including a Jewish Family Service Pantry food drive. Sure there were financial concerns, who doesn’t have them? We balanced the private school tuition by foregoing new cars and opened our home to our extended family and friends for the holidays instead of heading for a vacation destination. But the day-to-day needs like health insurance and utility bills were a given. There was enough gas in the cars to get to where we needed to be and if a kid outgrew shoes or needed a coat, we’d head to the store. If we ran out of milk it was a matter of poor planning – not for lack of resources. 

 

Then the marriage fell apart, the economy tanked, and I found myself unemployed. Someplace along the way, the car died and health coverage became a no longer affordable luxury…and holidays – holidays are tough. Where I once thought nothing of having 20 people for a meal, now half that number is a major stretch requiring weeks of cutting already trimmed corners to afford. Making ends meet is no longer about who needs new soccer cleats this season, it’s about how much do I need to pay on the UI bill so the service isn’t turned off..and  I’m not alone. Try this the next time you open your refrigerator door; ask yourself if you get to take that splash of milk for your morning coffee, or do you save it for your kids’ cereal? It was a question I never thought I’d have to ask myself and the fact is, in a lot of homes in New Haven – the question is a real one.

 

I remember sending canned goods to Hebrew school with the children. I never dreamed I’d be on the receiving end of a JFS food drive. The adage, “there but for the grace of God go I” has become more than just a phrase in my life. Where I once walked in the door to deliver boxes of food, I now walk out with bags in hand. For many JFS pantry clients, the monthly bag of groceries is the difference of having food at the end of the month – or hunger. I’ll admit being a Pantry client isn’t easy; the thought of running into someone I know who may be volunteering is potentially embarrassing. That said, the Passover assistance was the difference that made making a Seder for my family possible.

 

I am sincerely appreciative of the efforts of JFS and the Pantry Staff. The next time you’re at the grocery store consider adding a couple of cans to your cart to share with others. Anything you can do to extend the work of this organization would be greatly appreciated by those in need…including your next-door neighbor.