About Us

Since its inception over twenty-five years ago, FAMILY FOOD RELIEF OF NEW JERSEY / TOMCHEI SHABBOS has established its mission to provide basic kosher food items for families suffering severe economic distress in a most discreet and dignified manner. The hundreds of families currently served by Family Food Relief include disadvantaged and impoverished households, large families and families struggling with temporary crises such as loss of employment, illness or other financial predicament. Central to our mission is the core commitment never to turn away a needy family applying for assistance. The critical assistance provided by Family Food Relief provides more than mere physical sustenance to families in distress. Family Food Relief has been identified by community social workers as a crucial lifeline that helps keeps the home intact emotionally and psychologically, while maintaining the dignity and stability of the family in face of overwhelming crisis.

Family Food Relief of New Jersey began operations in 1986 with just one recipient family and one volunteer. By 1996, the roster of households receiving assistance grew to 35 families. No longer could the organization operate out of neighborhood basements and garages. A large (3,625 sq. ft) neighboring warehouse was converted into a fully outfitted distribution center with ample refrigeration and freezer space.  A contingency of community volunteers was enlisted for the cause. Despite its maturity into a large-scale communal institution, servicing over 8,500 (duplicated) families, the basic modus operandi has remained the same. Family Food Relief is structured as a mostly volunteer organization from the top down, with minimal administrative overhead. Over the years, the Lakewood-based Family Food Relief has grown to accommodate the needs of struggling families from all across New Jersey.

Family Food Relief services are provided to all families regardless of communal affiliation. Family Food Relief has provided assistance to families in the following communities across New Jersey.

• Brick
• Cherry Hill
• Deal
• East Brunswick
• Edison
• Freehold
• Highland Park
• Jackson
• Lakewood
• Long Branch
• Manalapan
• Passaic
• Toms River
• Twin Rivers
• Union City