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Where Does Your Food Drive Money Go?

10/15/2025 02:30:31 PM

Oct15

Each year after the High Holy Day Food Drive, the Social Action Committee considers how to direct the donations most effectively. Our largest allocation goes to Second Harvest Foodbank because it is the most cost-effective use of our dollars. We also give smaller amounts to organizations we partner with throughout the year, to use for direct support of their clients through meals, food pantries, and grocery cards. Organizations we have supported in the past include:

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin distributes food to over 300 community programs throughout southern Wisconsin, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and milk. At Second Harvest our gifts go further: For every $10 we donate, Second Harvest can provide up to $24 in groceries for those in need. Second Harvest in turn supplies food to many of the food pantries we partner with.

Catholic Multicultural Center, located on Madison’s south side, is connected to Temple Beth El in multiple ways: Our volunteers serve meals at their nightly meal program, work at their food pantry garden, cook for them on Mitzvah Day, and support their work welcoming immigrants and refugees to our community. Their food pantry and evening meals are open to all Wisconsin residents who need food assistance.

WayForward Resources in Middleton provides a food pantry for people throughout Dane County. WayForward reports that more people are coming than ever before, pressured by rising rents and rising grocery prices. WayForward has also seen its own food purchasing budget skyrocket: see here for a simple and eloquent explanation of recent changes to the food distribution system. 

Temple Beth El is a longtime supporter of Jewish Social Services of Madison and their refugee resettlement program, which welcomes refugees from all over the world. Although federal funding for refugee resettlement programs has been abruptly halted, JSS continues to support refugees and immigrants who are already here as they work toward a safe and self-sufficient life. JSS uses our donations to provide grocery gift cards for clients, especially those who don’t qualify for any government programs.

The Fritz Food Pantry at the Goodman Community Center provides groceries for more than 350 households every week, offering a mix of fresh foods and dry goods, along with foods for special dietary needs. They are currently experiencing a surge in demand, with many patrons saying it's the first time they’ve ever had to use a food pantry. Every fall, our Religious School students help by collecting food items for the Goodman Center’s Thanksgiving basket program. 

Healing House provides a safe place for families experiencing homelessness when a member of the family needs to prepare for a medical procedure or to recuperate after childbirth or hospitalization. Temple Beth El has been supporting Healing House since it opened in 2019, with volunteers cooking a week of dinners four times a year. We also use funds from the High Holy Day Food Drive to help with the cost of breakfast and snacks.

The Porchlight Drop-In Shelter provides emergency overnight shelter to men over the age of 18. Guests receive two meals per day, personal hygiene supplies, access to showers and bathrooms, and case management services. In the past, Temple Beth El has cooked and served evening meals for the shelter. We also donate money collected during the High Holy Day Food Drive to provide residents with coffee and snacks.

To support the work of these fine organizations, please donate to the High Holy Day Food Drive as part of your holiday observance this year. If you have already donated, now you know how your money helps alleviate hunger and strengthens the organizations that work to keep our community strong and healthy.

October 15, 2025 23 Tishrei 5786