In observance of World Food Day, a global day of action for those who are food insecure, on October 16, 2017, the Gene B. Glick Company announced it had awarded more than $300,000 to 50 organizations across eight states that are working to end food insecurity through Glick Philanthropies, a family of charitable entities, funds and initiatives focused on building community and creating opportunity. Jewish Family Services at the Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center is thrilled to be the recipient of a $7,500 grant.

“With 19.4% of the people residing in our neighborhood (Marion County) living in fear of where their next meal may come from, JFS is here to lend a hand, and we are so thankful to have this incredible support from Glick Philanthropies to address the diverse needs of our community,” said Rachel Kesner, Program Director at Jewish Family Services. “This grant will help us provide emergency food support (Popsie's Pantry), food accessibility (Grocery Transportation), and nutrition education (Libby & David Fogle Lunch Bunch), to over 6,000 people in 2018!”

As the philanthropic partner of the Gene B. Glick Company, one of the largest privately-held real estate ownership, development and management firms in America, Glick Philanthropies invest in organizations that help residents and neighbors move up the economic ladder. The grants, totaling $306,552, are part of the Feeding Those in Need program, a grant program that aims to increase access to healthy, nutritious food in the communities where Gene B. Glick Company properties are located. Since 2008, Glick Philanthropies have invested more than $3 million to organizations working to end food insecurity.

“Our company has a long and proud tradition of giving back to the communities where we operate through our corporate social responsibility efforts and association with Glick Philanthropies,” said David Barrett, president and CEO of the Gene B. Glick Company and Glick Philanthropies. “People form the heart of our communities, and we cannot build great communities when our neighbors go to bed hungry. This program helps provide meals for children, families and seniors who lack consistent access to high-quality, nutritious food, and reduces food insecurity as an obstacle to self-sufficiency.”

Forty-two million Americans –about one in eight– struggle with hunger, according to data from Feeding America. That includes 13 million children and more than 5 million seniors. Too often, individuals and families facing food insecurity in the United States must choose between their nutrition and basic needs such as utilities, medical care and transportation in order to make ends meet.

The 50 organizations selected for Feeding Those in Need grants, including a mix of food pantries, community centers, community gardens and more, were nominated by Gene B. Glick Company employees at various apartment communities across the U.S. Employees were asked to recommend the two local organizations and programs they believe make the biggest impact in addressing hunger and food security in the communities where they live and work.