Our Mission

The Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) was founded in 2000 as a hunger-relief organization working to inspire volunteerism in Philadelphia, under the conviction that no member of our community should be hungry. Today, JRA continues to create positive change by bringing people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities together each month to fulfill its mission.

Jewish Relief Agency serves over 6,400 diverse, low-income individuals across Greater Philadelphia, by relieving hunger, improving lives, and strengthening our community. Through a monthly Food Distribution Program, JRA harnesses the power of hundreds of volunteers to deliver kosher, nutritious food assistance and essential home supplies to thousands of low-income households each month. 

Although many organizations are working to fight hunger in Philadelphia, very few deliver directly to the homes in need. Home delivery alleviates several barriers food-insecure families may face such as the need to leave the house, lack of transportation, or access to healthy foods in nearby markets. Many of the individuals JRA serves, often elderly or disabled, are also experiencing some level of isolation, which has only been heightened by the Covid-19 pandemic. Through JRA’s program model, the agency is able to provide valued food assistance along with a warm community connection.  JRA also provides toiletries, menstrual products, produce boxes, children’s clothing, school supplies, and other critical items to individuals and families in need.  

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 3,400 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 guideline, 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.