Jewish Family Services

Who Can Visit?

Jewish Family Services (JFS) helps people from all walks of life, no matter their religion, faith, age, culture, or background. The food pantry serves singles, families, and older adults. About 25% of the people who receive food are children under 18 years old.

The pantry is open by appointment only to registered clients. To get started, you need to sign up first. You can submit your information using the online form or call 913-730-1433. If you are eligible for services, an Intake Coordinator will return your call as soon as possible.

How to Register?

1. Fill out the online form or call 913-730-1433.
2. An Intake Coordinator will contact you to let you know if you qualify and set up your first appointment.

How to Pick Up

Clients come to the pantry at their scheduled appointment time and shop for their own food. Volunteers assist clients who come to the pantry to shop. Food deliveries to homebound clients are also made by volunteers for those who cannot come in person.

Good to Know

All services, including the food pantry, are by appointment only, so you must have a scheduled time before you visit. All inquiries and client information are kept confidential. If you arrive outside your appointment time, staff may still try to help you if they are able.

Food & Essentials

The pantry provides a wide range of food and grocery items. You can find staples like grains, dairy, protein, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables. Both VAAD-supervised kosher and non-kosher food options are available. Personal care items and paper products are also included in the grocery bags, since most of those items are not covered by food stamps. Pet food for cats and dogs is available through a program called Jasmine's Corner, so pet owners do not have to go without food to keep their animals fed. The pantry is also a partner of Happy Bottoms, Kansas City's baby diaper bank.

Additional Support

JFS is a full-service human services organization. On-site social workers through KesherKC assist people who are dealing with challenges related to food, housing, employment, and financial insecurity. The pantry can also connect clients to counseling services and help with applications for public benefits. If you need a referral for other community resources or help navigating the healthcare system, a JFS Case Manager can point you in the right direction. JFS also offers programs for older adults, including care management, transportation through JET Express, and in-home support through Help@Home. Help with Medicaid and other benefit programs is available as well.

Ways to Give

JFS welcomes donations of all kinds to keep the pantry running. You can give money online at jfskc.org/donate, by phone at 913-327-8250 during normal business hours, or by mail to Jewish Family Services, 5801 W. 115th Street, Suite 103, Overland Park, KS 66211. For in-kind, stock, or matching donations, call 913-730-1429 or email development@jfskc.org. You can also purchase shelf-stable food and other most-needed items directly from the JFS Food Pantry Wish List at Amazon. Shelf-stable foods such as canned and boxed goods, personal care items, and paper products are always needed. You can also donate a vehicle, and the proceeds go directly toward JFS programs. To host a food drive at your neighborhood, school, workplace, or place of worship, visit the Support the Pantries page on the JFS website.

How to Join the Team?

Volunteers are a big part of how the JFS Food Pantry runs. You must be 18 years or older to volunteer. Current most-needed volunteer roles include Food Pantry Shopper, Food Pantry Stocker and Sorter, Delivery Driver, and Whole Foods Pick Up Volunteer. Volunteers help with sorting food donations, picking up donations from food drives and local grocery stores, organizing and staffing the pantry during appointments, making food deliveries to homebound clients, and helping clients shop. To apply, complete the online volunteer application at jfskc.org/volunteer or contact Volunteer Engagement at 913-730-1410 or volunteer@jfskc.org.