nutritious food is a right, not a privilege.
About the Mitzvah Food Program
Since 1996, the Mitzvah Food Program has served thousands of food insecure individuals and families in Greater Philadelphia. Operating out of four pantry sites in Old York Road, Main Line, Bucks County, and Northeast, recipients can select their own fresh, frozen, and nonperishable food with kosher options through a points system that incentivizes healthier eating.
How We Make an Impact
The Mitzvah Food Program is a proven model that is being used as an example for other organizations combating food insecurity across the country.
We meet clients where they are at, serving people from all nationalities, faiths and backgrounds. The Mitzvah Food Program employs two, full time case workers who help clients in both English and Russian select and receive their nutritious food.
A choice-based model, the Mitzvah Food Program recognizes that those in need may be unable to eat items from prepackaged boxes due to cultural, health or personal preference reasons. We offer a variety of food options, including Kosher options, for individuals to select what is best for them.
The pantries are stocked, thanks to donations from generous community members, the Jewish Federation, the Pennsylvania State Food Purchase Program, grants, Philabundance, Share Food Program, local food banks and other sources.
The Mitzvah Food Program is part of a regional task force that strategizes on reducing hunger. In addition, the Mitzvah Food Program partners with other social service agencies to ensure clients’ various needs are met.
Mitzvah Food Program currently utilizes the SmartChoice Program at their Northeast and Mainline pantry sites. Clients can select their own food either on the computer or on their smartphones with Mitzvah Food Program staff assistance.
Our Pantry Sites & Hours of Operation
Please see below for the various operating hours of the Mitzvah Food Program’s four pantries.
JFCS – Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center
345 Montgomery Avenue
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
To get directions, click here.
Call for information 215.832.0815 or 215.832.0627.
DISTRIBUTION WALK-IN HOURS
- Every Thursday: 1:30 – 6 p.m.
SmartChoice remote orders must make an appointment. Call for information.
DONATION DROP-OFF
- Please call 215.832.0815 prior to donating
Congregation Tifereth Israel of Lower Bucks County
2909 Bristol Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
To get directions, click here.
Call for information 215.832.0831.
DISTRIBUTION WALK-IN HOURS
- Every Tuesday: 3:30 – 5 p.m.
DONATION DROP-OFF
- Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
KleinLife
10100 Jamison Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19116
To get directions, click here.
Call for information at 215.832.0620.
DISTRIBUTION WALK-IN HOURS
Call for information at 215.832.0831
- Every Tuesday: 1 – 6:30 p.m.
Walkthrough clients.
SmartChoice remote orders must make an appointment. - Every Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
SmartChoice remote orders must make an appointment.
Russian Language Assistance Available. - Every Thursday: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
SmartChoice remote orders must make an appointment. Russian Language Assistance Available. - Every Friday: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
SmartChoice remote orders must make an appointment.
EMERGENCY CLIENT DISTRIBUTION
Call for information at 215.832.0831.
- First Friday of every month
DONATION DROP-OFF
- Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Beth Sholom Congregation
8231 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027
To get directions, click here.
Call for information at 215.832.0831.
DISTRIBUTION WALK-IN HOURS
- Every Thursday: 1 – 3 p.m.
- Every Thursday: 6 – 7 p.m.
EMERGENCY CLIENT DISTRIBUTION
- Every Thursday from 12 – 1 p.m.
DONATION DROP-OFF
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Become a Mitzvah Food Program Client
Our four pantries distribute nutritious food to all who are in need, regardless of race, income, gender, age, or religion. To become a full client of our pantry, personal information is required, however, personal details are not required to receive emergency food.
Bi-monthly delivery services are available based on need. Call for information at 215.832.0627.
If you are in need of food, the Mitzvah Food Program is here to help. Please fill out this form.
Ways You Can Help
We depend on our community members to donate their time, talent and treasure. See below for the various ways you can help those in need.
You can support the Mitzvah Food Program by making a donation. Any amount will go a long way in our fight against hunger. You can make a gift by clicking here.
It doesn’t take a big commitment to make a big impact. The people we serve enjoy meeting with and talking to our volunteers. Any help you can provide would be a great service to individuals and families in need. Fill out the volunteer form today.
You can support MFP’s clients by sending essential items to our four pantries through our Amazon Wish List.
To see our specific food needs and make a donation, click here.
Please select “MFP Gift Registry Address” as the shipping address when checking out your order.
During the High Holiday season in the fall, the Jewish Federation brings together dozens of local organizations to collect grocery store gift cards to support those in need. Learn more about the drive here.