Hunger Bagged

At one New Haven school, up to 90 percent of the kids sometimes go hungry.

So learned the folks at Jewish Family Services, a social service agency that delivers free bags of groceries and offers other social services both within the Jewish community and in New Haven at large.

This week JFS is holding a party/fundraiser for its ​“Food 4 Kids” program, which seeks to make sure many of these kids eat. Each week, volunteers in the program prepare close to 300 bags of non-perishable food for teachers at three New Haven public schools to send home with students who have been missing at least some meals every month.

Studies have shown that up more than a quarter of the children in New Haven sometimes miss meals because their parents can’t afford it. That makes it harder for them to learn or to keep in control at school, and it stunts their physical development.

JFS is hoping to expand its program, which currently serves the Reginald Mayo Early Learning School on Goffe Street, East Rock School, and Clinton Avenue School. A big turnout at the fundraiser this Thursday, Nov. 9, will help do that. The event takes place at the LoRicco Tower at 216 Crown St. beginning at 6:30 p.m. It will feature dinner (catered by Abel’s), music, schmoozing, and a program honoring State Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr. Click here or call 203 – 389-5599 for more information or to buy tickets.

Deborah Epstein, who runs Food 4 Kids, and JFS CEO Jonathan Garfinkle spoke about their work on an episode of WNHH FM’s ​“Chai Haven” program. Click on the above audio file or the Facebook Live video below to listen to the full segment.