Kosher food pantry distributing Passover provisions across tri-state area

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- As grocery prices continue to soar, the Passover celebration is becoming more difficult for some families in need of help.

“Going in this way, definitely with a smile as you can see,” said Brooklyn resident Shulem Felberbaun as he waited for volunteers to pack up his SUV with food.

Felberbaun was all smiles at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on Sunday. His family will have more than enough food for this Passover season.

“This distribution for our holiday is a lifesaver. It is helping us bring this holiday in for big families,” Felberbaun said.

Millions of pounds of produce, chicken, eggs, and potatoes are just some the items that were given out. Everything is donated, according to David Greenfield, CEO Of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty.

“Passover is the Jewish equivalent of Thanksgiving, except that Thanksgiving is one day and Passover is eight days. So imagine the stress making Thanksgiving for eight days,” said Greenfield.

Dozens of volunteers were part of the distribution. With $10 million worth of food, it is the biggest distribution in the entire country.

Ahead of the Jewish holiday, there are 250 distribution events across the tri-state area. It's a major relief for those struggling financially. 

“Of course they get the food, but how is that given? That’s given with love, understanding and the families appreciate that because they see we are doing it in a way that is the most admirable way,” said Rabbi David Niederman, executive director of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn.

Among the leaders who joined in was U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez and New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who has been part of this day of giving for 20 years.

“I particularly wanted to come here today because our hearts are heavy as a result of what is happening in Israel. Not only do we recognize that Iran tried to bomb and overcome Israel, but what was so great was that there were so many Muslim and Arab countries that also tried to divert the drones, and we thank God that nobody lost their life,” said James.

The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty plans to feed more than 300,000 people living in more than 60,000 households for this major Jewish holiday.