December 2024
by Cara Bensimon and Rachel Bernholtz

Sherry Weinberg recently moved to Hamilton with her two young children. They are making connections with the Jewish community. They attend shul when possible and have enrolled in some of the great programs at the JCC. Despite working two jobs, Sherry is barely making ends meet. With Chanukah coming up, she knows there is no extra money for chocolate gelt, latkes or to attend community celebrations. 

While Sherry is not a real person, her story is very much a real example of the families that HJFS helps each year.
Since 1929, HJFS has been a source of support for the Hamilton Jewish community, through mental health programs, holistic case management, Holocaust Survivor programs, food security, and seniors supports. 

Our food bank, Carol’s Cupboard, is the only kosher food bank west of Toronto in Ontario. Visits are by appointment only to protect confidentiality. Using a grocery store model, visitors have the agency to get what they need for their families. Delivery is available for those clients who are unable to come to us.

Carol’s Cupboard is open to everyone, regardless of race, religion, age, or beliefs. Jewish clients may visit from anywhere in the Greater Hamilton area, whereas non-Jewish clients must reside within our defined nearby catchment.  
Not only does Carol’s Cupboard provide non-perishable food, fresh produce, kosher meats, and cleaning and hygiene items, it is also a connection to Jewish culture and tradition. For example, at Rosh Hashanah and Passover, we distribute baskets filled with all the items needed to celebrate in a meaningful way. We also offer tickets to attend local Passover seders. At Chanukah we give out candles and menorahs. 

From 2021 to 2024 we have seen a 115 per cent increase in the number of visits to Carol’s Cupboard. In 2024 we are seeing an average of 80-90 households per month. Hamilton has one of the highest Jewish poverty rates in the country compared to the Jewish poverty rates in other cities. According to the 2021 Canadian census, poverty within the Jewish community is nearly identical to the non-Jewish community with 14.6 per cent of Jewish families living below the poverty line. However, Jewish poverty is more hidden and less acknowledged. With “Jewish” removed from the choices of ethnicity in the census, tracking rates of Jewish poverty has become increasingly difficult.

Happily, Sherry learned about HJFS and made an appointment to visit Carol’s Cupboard. We were able to provide her with food, a menorah and peace of mind. 

Everyone will need a helping hand at someone point. We offer not just food, but support for individuals and families as they navigate difficult periods, whether temporary or ongoing. Today it is them, tomorrow it could be you. 
Carol’s Cupboard is named in honour of its founder Carol Krames, who started the food bank in the 1980s. Every day we strive to run it in a way that would make her proud—with empathy, compassion and love for everyone who comes through our door.  Chag Chanukah sameach!