BERKLEY, Mich. – The celebration of Passover begins on Saturday.
The ancient custom is a solemn tradition, but it’s also very costly for households.
For more than 1,000 families, the comfort of a good home-cooked meal for Passover begins at Yad Ezra.
Families are battling sky-high prices at stores, and kosher food is no exception. Just when families struggle to stretch their dollars, the state’s only kosher food pantry is stepping up.
“So last year, we served roughly about 150 less families. Throughout the year, we keep very good track of our numbers. It’s a staggering amount of families that are just struggling to make ends meet,” said Jeff Lazar, an executive director.
Sunday’s distribution marks the 35th year for the only kosher food pantry in Michigan. Families can find meat, produce, non-perishable items, and herbs.
For a family of seven, the cost to feed can easily stack hundreds of dollars for the multi-day celebration.
“Passover is a very big expense, and the organization here helps us out so much to provide food for the whole family,” said Aaron, who asked Local 4 to only use his first name.
The tradition of helping each other during lean times carries on, showcasing a sign of resiliency.
Yad Ezra recognizes the need is great. It will continue to provide more Passover meals from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday.
