JCF granted $250,000 in July 2011 to improve infrastructure and offset operating costs at the Masbia Kosher Soup Kitchen Network, which operates three free restaurants for the low-income Jewish community.

The grant enabled Masbia to purchase:

  • a walk-in refrigerator/freezer for the Flatbush location, enabling Masbia to take delivery of larger quantities of produce and meat at competitive prices.
  • A commercial convection oven and other kitchen equipment and appliances at the Flatbush site, which enables Masbia staff to prepare large quantities of food and ship to the other sites in Boro Park (Brooklyn) and Rego Park (Queens).
  • A refrigerated Sprinter van with a lift gate to pick up donated food and deliver meals.

In the past, Masbia purchased food from caterers, with average meals costing $6 or more. Now, thanks to JCF’s generous grant, Masbia can prepare meals on its own for the first time – leading to significant cost savings. Masbia can include raw food ingredients in the menu and also benefits from tens of thousands of volunteer hours in prepping the meals. As a result, average meal costs range from $4.50-$5. Masbia now cooks an average of more than 2,000 meals per week (80,000 per year), and also provides an additional 200 weekly food packages.