Social Action at the JCC

Bagged with Love

The JCC of Central NJ partners with Temple Emanu-El in Westfield on behalf of the Mandy Reichman Feeding program which provides food and support to families in Union County. The Mandy Reichman Feeding program, also known as Bagged with Love, was founded in in memory of Mandy Reichman (daughter of long-time Temple Emanu-El preschool teacher Meryl Reichman) who was passionate about feeding her community. 

• Help us pack 100 emergency food bags to Jewish Family Services of Central NJ each month!
• Last year, Bridges distributed 120,000 meals. Make sandwiches and put them together in a brown paper bag with fruit, snacks and drink. Don’t forget to decorate the bag! Having brightly colored creatively designed bags is wonderful.

2025-26 Bagged with Love Dates 

Stay tuned!

There are many ways to get involved!

• Come in person to bag the food

• Shop for the needed items listed below for the food bags. We prefer that the items donated to the food pantry be Kosher, but, if that is not possible, please know that nothing here goes to waste! Please note that Bowl and Basket items (ShopRite brand) are listed because they are the most affordable and they are kosher.  
  • Bowl and Basket Vegetable Oil – 16 oz. or larger
  • Bowl and Basket Strawberry Preserves
  • Bowl and Basket Cereals
  • Bowl and Basket Pastas
  • Tuna - preferably solid white in oil or water
  • Peanut Butter
  • Bowl and Basket Rice – preferably 2 lb. bags
  • Snack Pack Puddings – 4 packs
  • Bowl and Basket Saltine Crackers – or any other brand they find on sale
  • Dish Detergent – for hand washing, NOT dishwasher soap
  • Canned Fruits – peaches, pineapple
  • Bowl and Basket Pancake Syrup
  • Frozen Waffles – Shoprite carries a brand called “Batter Up” (not expensive)
  • Bowl and Basket Iodized Salt
  • Shampoo/Conditioners
  • Individual rolls of bath tissue
  • Instant Oatmeal

• Help spread the word or launch a collection (e.g., see items above)
  
  
• Volunteer to drive the bags over to Jewish Family Services or Bridges Outreach with your family
  
  
• Make a donation to help subsidize the program

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