by Adina Genn

PUBLISHED: March 20, 2026

Met Council, a nonprofit that aims to fight poverty, said it is helping 350,000 food-insecure Jewish New Yorkers “celebrate Passover with dignity.” On Friday, the organization is partnering with Sid Jacobson JCC Annex in East Hills for a Passover food distribution.

The event is part of a $6 million effort to help ease the financial burden of the holiday for food insecure Jewish New Yorkers by providing high-quality, kosher-for-Passover food at no cost. For many recipients, this support determines whether they can fully take part in Passover traditions.

“The cost of living continues to rise, making it harder for working families to afford even the basics in New York,” Met Council CEO David Greenfield said in a written statement.

“Passover is the most expensive time of year for Jewish New Yorkers, and we are making sure that everyone who needs help gets it,” Greenfield said. “No one should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table, especially during the holidays.”

This year’s initiative has the support of more than 800 volunteers, including public officials and community partners. Met Council is delivering more than 3.5 million pounds of food throughout New York City and Long Island. The effort spans 250 distribution sites and works alongside 230 community groups and local pantries. As a result, the program is extending further into communities and helping more families than previously, the organization said.

Ahead of Passover, Met Council is delivering food supplies to pantries to guarantee steady access to essential kosher-for-Passover products. This includes 2.3 million eggs, 61,000 pounds of matzah and over 51,000 gallons of grape juice, along with chicken, fish, oil, fresh produce and other holiday staples that help families fully celebrate the holiday.