About Us

In Philadelphia, 23% of seniors are living in poverty and 1 in 5 children are struggling with hunger. JRA provides free food and essential household items to 3,800 food-insecure households in the 5-county Greater Philadelphia area and parts of southern New Jersey. JRA's programs are open to anyone living in our delivery region with a household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guildline, regardless of their religion, age, race, ethnicity, or background. Our clients include homebound older adults, children, persons experiencing housing instability, Holocaust survivors, individuals with intellectual disabilities, refugees, and persons facing temporary financial emergencies. 

JRA provides a monthly box of nutritious food weighing about 15 lbs. that includes vegetables, carbohydrates, proteins, fruits, and fresh produce in the eight months of the year when refrigeration is not necessary. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, JRA has increased its offerings by providing critical household goods like toilet paper and dish soap, and PPE in the form of face masks. In addition to the monthly box, JRA's Family Friendly Food Initiative provides over 700 children and their families a bag of child-approved foods such as peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, pretzels, and fruit cups. Many of our seniors and families with children also receive an Everyday Essentials bag, which provides important household goods, such as shampoo, laundry detergent, toilet paper, soap, incontinence supplies, and diapers.