Press ReleasesSAN DIEGO (Dec. 21, 2023) – Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), in response to input from the community, is adopting new nutrition wraparound services in 2024 designed to help people move forward in all areas of their lives. A new coaching program will be coming soon to the Corner Market and JFS’s home-delivered meals and congregate dining sites continue for those who need them most, along with emergency food distributions.
Corner Market +
The Corner Market is moving to a coaching food pantry model designed to address the root cause of hunger and malnutrition, moving people from emergency to empowerment.
While the Corner Market will continue to offer monthly visits at which San Diegans can shop for free, fresh and nutritious groceries of their choice, a new program called Corner Market + will build on the monthly visits to the store, adding one-on-one coaching that assists participants in achieving their nutritional and financial goals, and helps them reduce the need for future pantry visits.
“San Diego is one of the most expensive cities in the country, with San Diegans having to stretch their income even further than before,” said JFS’ Senior Director of Aging & Nutrition Kristine Stensberg. “Corner Market + helps by providing resources including benefit enrollment assistance, financial coaching and nutrition income to help them achieve stability.”
Continue to check www.jfssd.org/cornermarket for the launch of this program.
Foodmobile
JFS’s Foodmobile meal-delivery service returns its focus to serving seniors and homebound adults in early 2024.
“Jewish Family Service takes great care in providing home-delivered meals to those who need it the most, and we will continue so,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “With the pandemic behind us, we are transitioning some participants back to our congregate dining sites where they can receive both food and companionship. We are doing what we can to combat the health risks of prolonged isolation while also providing nutritious food.”
The Foodmobile provides a vital link to other needs. For many homebound individuals the delivery driver is the only consistent person they see. JFS’s training staff can identify unmet needs and refer them to other JFS and external services, which helps people remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
For service areas and eligibility information, visit www.jfssd.org/foodmobile or call us at (858) 637-3230.
Congregate Dining Sites
Adults of all faiths and backgrounds over the age of 60 are welcome to JFS’s congregate meal sites throughout San Diego for free, hot and nutritious meals: The Bayside Community Center in Linda Vista and the College Avenue Center at Temple Emanu-El in East County.
All kosher-style hot lunches are made in JFS’s Loonin Family Kitchen, including Beef Stroganoff, Chicken-Butternut Stew and Kidney Bean Curry. Meal reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Sign up or check out this month’s menu at www.jfssd.org/congregatedining or call (858) 637-3230.
In addition, JFS’s College Avenue Center serves as a central meeting place for older adults to enjoy activities and socialization, and serves as a community food distribution site for seniors. To learn more, visit www.jfssd.org/cac or call (858) 637-3210.
Lunch and social activities are also available for older adults with early-stage Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia at JFS’s Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center. To learn more, visit www.jfssd.org/baoac or (858) 637-3210.
Rides to and from all congregate meal and JFS older adult centers are available through the “On the Go” program by visiting www.jfssd.org/otg or calling (858) 637-3210.
Emergency Food Distributions
Every month, JFS provides a range of community food distributions, as well as its Diaper Bank. Open to any San Diegan in need of food assistance, JFS’s food distributions at Ohr Shalom Synagogue in Bankers Hill and Chabad Downtown in Downtown San Diego are available on select dates. In addition to the older adult food distribution at JFS’s College Avenue Center, a military distribution is available at Camp Pendleton. For specific dates, times and eligibility for all distributions, please visit www.jfssd.org/communitydistributions or call (858) 637-3210.
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to over 95,000 people every year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.
To get help, volunteer, or support JFS, visit jfssd.org or call (858) 637-3000.
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