How to Join BJ’s Anti-Hunger Month of Action
This Hebrew month of Adar, we are committing to a month of anti-hunger action—standing with partners locally and nationally to say clearly: No one deserves to go hungry.
Why Adar? Purim, which falls on the 15th of Adar, is known as a holiday of joy and merriment– but it also teaches us that celebration and care for those in need are inseparable. In fact, one of Purim’s four mitzvot is matanot le-evyonim (gifts for those in need). That’s why, this Adar, we are affirming all across the BJ community that matanot le-evyonim is not only a Purim mitzvah, but a lifelong commitment to caring for our neighbors with dignity.
What Can I Do? Read on to see how you can easily take action, whether it’s writing a single postcard or joining a regular volunteer opportunity!
✍️ Write a Postcard telling Congress No One Deserves to Go Hungry!
We are raising our collective voices in MAZON’s “No One Deserves to Go Hungry” campaign, helping contribute to the 47,000 postcards that will be delivered to Congress at the end of March. Each postcard will represent 1,000 of 47 million Americans currently facing hunger.
Postcards will be available to fill out at various programs throughout Adar, or you can pick one up by the BJ Community House west entrance at 270 West 89th Street. There will also be a collection box where you can drop off your postcards at your convenience.
Our Kadima students and their parents will have the opportunity to contribute postcards during Kadima arrival and dismissal on February 24. Later in the spring, students will learn about food insecurity and how the work of combatting hunger is rooted in Jewish values.
Not able to get to BJ in person? You can submit your virtual postcard message for a volunteer to write!
Volunteer at the West Side Campaign Against Hunger
In honor of the mitzvah of matanot le-evyonim (gifts for those in need), we will come together for a family-friendly, hands-on day of service with WSCAH on Sunday, February 22, helping sort food and assemble packages for our neighbors.
Our Aviv community will also be volunteering with WSCAH, further strengthening this commitment. If interested, email Rose Frey.
Serve Meals with BJ’s Lunch Program
We are always welcoming new volunteers for BJ’s lunch program, a weekly soup kitchen almost 40 years strong! Right now, we particularly need volunteers to pick up a donation of bread from Zabars on the Upper West Side on Tuesday evenings and drop it off at BJ. This role requires either a personal vehicle or willingness to take a taxi. We also rely on volunteers to help with cooking, packaging, and serving lunches each week.
If you are interested in learning more or signing up for any of these opportunities, please contact Rose Frey.
Learn More about Hunger & Advocate for Change
WSCAH Virtual Town Hall – February 26 at 1:00 PM
“A Turning Point: How WSCAH is Responding to Changes in SNAP” to discuss what’s happening in the emergency feeding system, the SNAP crisis, and what you can do to support. Register →
NYC Food Advocates Month of Action Training – February 11 @ 2:00 PM
With the New York State Budget due April 1, 2026, March is a critical window to engage elected officials and urge state leaders to protect and strengthen vital nutrition and food assistance programs. Join food advocacy leaders to learn how you can take meaningful, district-level advocacy actions throughout the month of March. Register →
NYC Emergency Food Lobby Day – February 24, 2026
Join City Harvest, Food Bank For New York City, and food pantry leaders and advocates from across the city at the NYS Capitol in Albany for a day of action to meet with Assembly and Senate representatives and advocate for a budget that ensures access to food for all New Yorkers. Register →
Donate
In the spirit of matanot le-evyonim, please consider making a donation this Purim to one of these organizations that focus on alleviating food insecurity.