One of the most popular ways for volunteers to get involved at JFS is through the Food Pantry, with a unique opportunity being the Food Pantry Experience. This interactive program combines education, volunteering, and donation. During the experience, groups are assigned a hypothetical family with unique life circumstances—like a single parent living on a $30 daily income, a family of six struggling with medical debt and unemployment, or a couple living in their car without access to electricity or running water.
During the Food Pantry Experience, each group creates a budget and meal plan to support their assigned situation, representing the real struggles faced by families who rely on the Food Pantry. They then head into Walmart (across the street from JFS) to purchase the groceries they had planned. Participants quickly learn how challenging this is, gaining firsthand insight into the importance of the Food Pantry and the realities of food insecurity. Afterward, they donate their purchased items, leaving with a deeper understanding of food insecurity and a new appreciation for supporting their community.
If your group is interested in the Food Pantry Experience, or volunteering in the Food Pantry, please reach out to Michelle Cannon, Volunteer Engagement Manager at michellecannon@jfsdallas.org.
