For a second year in a row,  Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options (JAFCO) is  receiving kosher meals for the children residing at JAFCO’s six group homes in Sunrise, thanks to a program-based Federation allocation.

“Jewish food is closely tied into so many of our holiday traditions, including Shabbat, and, because of that, we want to make sure that all our holiday meals remain special,” said Sarah Franco, JAFCO’s executive director.

The help from Federation for the funding of the kosher food, especially this year, is greatly appreciated.

“With the rising food prices it was more important than ever that we get some assistance,” Franco said, stressing that kosher food is even more expensive than most other foods.

“However, we are very committed to kosher foods,” Franco added, noting that JAFCO found a vendor that would also be willing to help out – Aroma Kosher Market.

“The owner heard about what Federation was doing and wanted to help us as well,” Franco said. “We needed to stretch the Federation dollars we were getting as much as possible during these difficult times. Really, no matter how bad the economy is, we still have to take care of our children.”

Each JAFCO group home has six bedrooms with baths, and houses up to six children in each group home. Staffed by live-in house parents, the homes function as part of the JAFCO community. Children may live at the Village for an indefinite period of time while preparing to move into a foster or adoptive home, reunite with their birth families, leave for college, or are ready to live independently.

Not surprisingly, the JAFCO group homes cost lots of money to maintain. With the help of a program-based allocation of the Federation, however, feeding the JAFCO children is being well taken care of.

“The Federation allocation ensures us that our children have good kosher meals and snacks, and that what they eat is well-balanced, healthy and plentiful,” Franco said. “Some of our children come from situations of neglect, where they don’t have enough food. It’s so important that, once they are here, they are well fed.”

JAFCO, Franco said, is “always very thankful” for Federation’s help.

“We’re greatly appreciative of our partnership with Federation, and for the community support that we receive,” she said. “It’s great that Federation is a part of the community that truly cares about these children.”