Cook for a Friend

The Cook for a Friend Program’s purpose is to bring together volunteers from the community served by the synagogue to raise funds, cook, and distribute kosher meals to residents unable to prepare meals for themselves due to illness or poverty. The Cook for a Friend volunteers use the Beth Sholom kitchen facilities to prepare and store meals. The group raises funds to purchase food and supplies through the sale of Gift Cards that acknowledge a contribution to the program, and outright gifts of money and raw food products from congregants and volunteers.

The program has been in operation for the past 18 years and served 85 individuals during the past year. Meals are distributed by volunteers who deliver meals (typically a weeks supply at a time) and check to see that the recipients are properly preparing meals and satisfied with them. When necessary, volunteers will instruct recipients on the proper storage and preparation of meals.

Referrals for meal delivery are received through congregants (1150 families), local clergy, physician members of the synagogue, the JCC Klein Branch, and other social service agencies. Periodically newspaper articles appear about the program in community newspapers. New volunteers are always needed!