Supported by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County (JFSPBC), PJ Our Way® brought energy, teamwork, and generosity to Publix on Glades Road this Sunday as more than 60 community members participated in the annual Supermarket Sweep foodraiser benefiting the Jacobson Family Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services (JFS).

Designed for youth ages 8 to 12 and their adult partners, the event blended friendly competition with hands-on philanthropy. Families teamed up to solve clues, navigate the aisles, and collect essential pantry items most needed by local households facing food insecurity.

“The annual Supermarket Sweep is a perfect hands-on opportunity for children to participate in a fun and festive Thanksgiving activity, learn about the importance of the Jacobson Family Food Pantry, and take part in doing mitzvot for the community,” said Nicole Kaplan, who’s Family Foundation graciously underwrote the event. “The Sandelman Foundation is proud to support PJ Library’s efforts in offering special youth programming that focuses on Jewish values and education. Our foundation shares the goal of empowering nonprofits to offer programs that directly benefit the South Florida community.”

Elana Ostroff, Senior Director of Family Engagement, emphasized the impact of giving tweens meaningful ways to experience community responsibility. “Supermarket Sweep lets our kids see firsthand how their actions help others,” she said. “They aren’t just learning about the value of chesed, they’re living it, working together to support families who rely on the Jacobson Family Food Pantry. Watching their excitement as they raced with purpose was inspiring for all of us.”

The participants collected over $900 worth of shelf-stable food items. All donations were delivered directly to the Jacobson Family Food Pantry at JFS to support individuals and families throughout the holiday season.

PJ Our Way® is part of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s PJ Library® program and provides older children with opportunities to explore Jewish values, literacy, and community engagement through meaningful and age-appropriate experiences.

For more information about upcoming PJ Library® programs or to sign up for this free program, visit jewishboca.org/pjlibrary.