COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — The organization SWFL Showing for Racial Justice is partnering with community organizations to bring fresh produce to those in need.
Structural inequality and racism have severely increased the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color.
SWFL Showing Up for Racial Justice started giving cash assistance in March and moved to give food support in April.
The group has teamed up with the owner of Eldridge’s Produce to deliver food to churches, homes, and other food distribution sites.
“It is called tikkun olam, which means repairing the world, ” said Jane Schiff.
Sunday, The Jewish Federation of Greater Naples donated $2,500 to SWFL Showing Up for Racial Justice.
This is the largest donation the project has received to date.
“That feeds all of our families for a week it is about 500-600 (people) we are supporting, ” said Ellen Hemrick.
The Jewish community is no stranger to the challenges of discrimination.
“People have been there for us through the years, and we need to return the favor and make sure whatever we can do to promote the health and well being of everybody in the community,” said Jane Schiff.
Each week volunteers prepare food packages for delivery.
“Miraculously we manage to do it for another week, its truly neighbors helping neighbors,” said Hemrick.
“We believe that if you give poor people poor food you’re just upholding a system that’s unjust, ” said Ellen Hemrick.
This project is run on community donations, with the average donation being between $50-$70 dollars.
For information on how to donate head to actionnetwork.org.
