In an exciting new collaboration that strengthens community support networks on the Virginia Peninsula, the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula (UJCVP) and THRIVE Peninsula have announced a partnership to better serve Jewish families during the upcoming Passover holiday.

THRIVE Peninsula, a local organization dedicated to helping families through difficult times, operates The Market at THRIVE, presented by Food Lion. This innovative free grocery store focuses on providing fresh, healthy foods in a dignified environment. Unlike traditional food pantries, The Market allows clients to choose all their items, respecting their preferences and dietary needs while eliminating the stigma often associated with food assistance.

Jewish Family Services, established by the UJCVP to address community social service needs, has long provided holiday support including Passover food items for families on a limited budget and those who are homebound.  JFS will continue to deliver these important holiday meal items and share a friendly visit.  

Building on their shared values, this new collaboration will create a dedicated kosher for Passover section at The Market at THRIVE from March 27th through April 17th. This initiative ensures that Jewish families can prepare for this important holiday with dignity, selecting foods that honor both tradition and personal preference.

“"The holidays, while joyous occasions, can also be a time when financial burdens feel particularly overwhelming for many families," says Eric Maurer, CEO of the UJCVP. "Through this partnership with THRIVE Peninsula, we're addressing an important need in our community. Passover is a celebration of freedom, and we believe that should include freedom from worry about how to provide traditional foods for the seder table. We want to ensure that all members of the Jewish community can celebrate the Passover holiday joyfully, maintaining our sacred traditions regardless of financial circumstances."

Community members can support this effort by donating kosher for Passover food items at the UJCVP office. These donations will help keep The Market well-stocked throughout the holiday preparation period. In particular, the following donations are needed: matzah, matzah ball soup mix, macaroons, gefilte fish, grape juice, candied fruit slices, cake mixes.

If you find yourself struggling to afford kosher for passover food, you can book a shopping visit on THRIVE’s website. There are no income requirements. All shopping visits are by appointment only - no walk-in's. If you are unable to get an appointment, you can call 757-877-6211 x2 and ask to be put on the Market Wait List.  

“Having new partnerships allows us to say ‘yes’ to more families who are food insecure and it’s such a win for the community,” said Angela York, Executive Director of THRIVE Peninsula.

Through this thoughtful partnership, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to creating a community where everyone can participate in cherished traditions regardless of financial circumstances.

For scheduling information, please visit the THRIVE Peninsula website: www.thrivepeninsula.org/help. Kosher for Passover donations can be dropped off at the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula office.