JVC to Hold Annual ‘Casserole Challenge’ to Combat Regional Food Insecurity

November 10, 2021 JMORE Staff

Young volunteers Micah (9) and Noah (7) Bloom helped collect casseroles at JVC's Dec. 1 "Casserole Challenge."

Young volunteers Micah and Noah Bloom are shown collecting donations at a past JVC "Casserole Challenge." (Provided Photo)

No less than celebrity chef and TV personality Carla Hall says, “Casseroles are one-pot-wonders!” The folks at Jewish Volunteer Connection would certainly agree.

JVC, the volunteer arm of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, will hold its annual “Casserole Challenge” on Tuesday morning and afternoon, Nov. 30, at various times and locations around the area. The objective is to help local families experiencing food insecurity issues.

“This is the time of year when we often show our gratitude and give back to the community,” JVC said in a statement. “In the spirit of Thanksgiving, a holiday where we give thanks for all that we have, JVC has invited the community to join in a project that celebrates giving and gratitude — the Casserole Challenge to help feed those in need. … The need is far reaching and has grown even more since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

macaroni with cheese and mushrooms — (File photo)

JVC plans to collect hundreds of homemade frozen casseroles from area volunteers and donate them to 13 local organizations, including Manna House, Living Classrooms and the Maree G. Farring Elementary-Middle School in the Brooklyn neighborhood of South Baltimore.

Now in its sixth year, the “Casserole Challenge” has delivered approximately 2,200 casseroles to Baltimore’s food insecure since its inception. It is this month’s “Live With Purpose” volunteer opportunity presented by JVC.

Among the casserole drop-off sites will be Sol Levinson & Bros. funeral home, 8900 Reisterstown Rd. in Pikesville, from 7 to 9 a.m.; Krieger Schechter Day School, 8100 Stevenson Rd. in Pikesville, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.; the Owings Mills Jewish Community Center, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., from 8 to 10 a.m.; the Institute for Islamic , Christian and Jewish Studies, 956 Dulaney Valley Rd. in Towson, from 10 a.m. to noon; Beth El Congregation, 8101 Park Heights Ave. in Pikesville, from noon to 1:30 p.m.; and the Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Ave., from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

For information, visit jvcbaltimore.org/casserole-challenge.