JESPY House Food Assistance Program

As of Saturday, November 1, many of our clients have been affected by the sudden stoppage of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP.   Food insecurity brings about anxiety, instability, and the loss of confidence that independence requires. 

Please see the article we published November 3, 2025, entitled “When the Food Stops, Independence Plummets.” 

Recent news now indicates that SNAP will be partially funded for some part of this month. This shows some progress, but the crisis is far from over.

Not only do we not know how “partial” is being defined or who will receive “partial” benefits. SNAP recipients do not know when benefits of any kind will be restored.

In short, the near future looks uncertain and scary, especially to our clients who rely on these benefits.

JESPY is responding and adapting to this very crucial need that is facing our clients as well as staff in the JESPY community. 

What are we doing to support our JESPY community? 

• Providing free lunch at Judi House during Day Program. 
• Providing free lunch for our Out Clients who are now food insecure.
• Collecting grocery store gift cards to distribute to those in the most need.

How can you support our efforts? 

• Please make a donation to help underwrite the free lunch program.  
• Purchase gift cards to grocery stores like Stop and Shop and Shoprite.

Unfortunately, we are not equipped with the staff or space to coordinate the assemblage of donated goods. After many conversations with our leadership team, case managers, and program staff, lunch provided at no cost and grocery store gift cards will make the biggest difference to our JESPY community. 

Our initial estimates show that $500 will provide 10 individuals with lunch for one week. We anticipate between 60- 80 people needing additional support each week. 

All donations will help support our operating needs, which include responding to client crises as they arise. Your gift helps us to respond quickly and without delay.

Thank you for helping during this crisis.