Tips, Resources & Support for Holiday Season During COVID-19

This time of year is usually full of eager anticipation, cheerful gatherings, acts of kindness and charitable giving. Like so many aspects of life, this year the holiday season will look different than ones that came before. While we will all have to continue to be creative in how and where we gather with family and friends, observe holiday traditions, and participate in the season, we can still make this year meaningful and special.

Coping with Separation & Loss During Celebrations

Do you or your families need a refresher on Zoom? Don’t let anyone feel left out of the virtual celebration, share our step by step Zoom Guide.

Consider a drive-by potluck dinner. If you can’t bring yourself to reduce the recipe of your favorite holiday dish, coordinate with loved ones who may be within driving distance and organize a drop-off potluck. Make the full holiday serving size, divvy up into individual portions, and make a no-contact delivery to loved ones who are close by. OR, if you are far apart from loved ones, especially elderly family members, consider ordering them a prepared meal to be delivered.

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Remember, this year, safety is most important to ensure future holidays celebrations can be shared together in person. Review the CDC Guidelines and Recommendations for Thanksgiving & upcoming holidays.

If you are a caregiver, this holiday can be extra difficult managing the stress of your role in the midst of the pandemic, and without the extra family support during this season. We are here for caregivers.

If you have experienced loss this year, this difficult and distanced holiday time can feel especially challenging to navigate.

  • For those of the Jewish faith, join us on December 9 for a special program “Light in the Midst of Darkness: Chanukah in the time of COVID for the Bereaved” Register in advance (fee $10)

Additional resources for the bereaved:

Time for Traditions

Practice gratitude. Here are a number of resources for nurturing gratitude for Thanksgiving and beyond.

Find comfort in the familiar of tradition. Put out the special tableware, the traditional recipes, and find religious services streaming online.

Embrace the nostalgia of the hand-written card. When we are all missing family and friends more than ever, a hand-written (or even hand-made if you want to avoid the stores) card can mean so much to the recipient.

Dress up! Even if you are hosting a smaller gathering than usual, or celebrating solo, dress up in your formal holiday attire. Wearing your holiday best can bring about the celebratory spirit!

Missing out on the cookie baking marathon with your loved ones? Set up a video call and bake “together.” This can be a special opportunity to record your family members passing down beloved family recipes which can be cherished for generations.

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Community Event: Interfaith Thanksgiving Service dedicated in memory of Rabbi Feldman

Thurs, November 26 @ 11:00 AM

Join for a special interfaith service for the holiday. STREAM LIVE

Make this time Special with Service

This has been a challenging year for many – job loss, food insecurity, seniors feeling especially isolated. In this season of giving, find ways to make a difference in your community…

Participate or lead a Thanksgiving/Holiday Food Drive. Check with local pantries if they are collecting specific items for the upcoming holidays or if they are in need of pantry staples.

Want to get out into the community? Food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens continue to see rising demand. Reach out to organizations in your area and inquire about volunteer opportunities. Many organizations are relying on volunteers to facilitate large-scale grab and go meal distributions.

  • Help at JFCS! We welcome volunteers to help pack prepared bags of food for our on-site and mobile food pantries. Contact us: BethE@jfcsonline.org / 609-987-8100 Ext 126.

Share a smile with a senior. The restrictions of current quarantine orders dramatically impact older adults. Consider making holiday cards to be shared with isolated seniors. Reach out to local senior care facilities or organizations to inquire about how to best distribute holiday greeting cards to their residents/clients.

  • JFCS is collecting cards for our senior clients which will be distributed to those who receive delivered meals and food. Contact Eden Aaronson to learn more: EdenA@jfcsonline.org / 609-987-8100 Ext 113.

Make a donation. Find an organization close to your heart and make a gift that is meaningful to you to support them. Share with family and friends why this cause is important and encourage them to do the same.

  • You can help make the holidays special for JFCS clients by donating gift cards to our L.I.G.H.T.S (Love is Getting Holidays Gifts to Share) program. Learn more here.
  • By making a general monetary donation to JFCS, you are enabled us to continue our vital support to the community through our food pantries, senior support and mental health care. Make a donation today.
Embrace the Opportunity for NEW Traditions

Never had time to make a Turkey Trot before now? Most charity walks/races have gone virtual and can be completed from anywhere! Make a team with family and friends no matter how distanced you are, and embrace the chance to create a new tradition with them.

  • You can participate in the Mercer County Turkey Trot Nov 21 – 28! Proceeds help support Mercer County food pantries including JFCS. Sign up today!

Create a Secret “Snowflake” gift exchange through the magic of Amazon Prime (or any online store). Organize a gift exchange through a broad network using social media or keep it to a close-knit group with whom you may not be able to gather in person with this year.

Seek out virtual holiday concert or performances, coordinate virtual “watch parties” of your favorite holiday movies with your loved ones, enjoy outdoor, socially distanced opportunities like drive-through or walk-through light displays, and explore local opportunities like Palmer Square holiday weekends or Morven Museum & Garden Festival of Trees.

This Thanksgiving, enjoy an Interfaith Service, dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Adam Feldman. Stream the program liveThursday, November 26 at 11 AM.

Festive Foods

See a guided video by our very own Andrea Gaynor to make your own Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts) for Hanukkah!

Our registered dietitan has shared tips and recipes for budget-friendly and time-conscious Thanksgiving dishes.

Check out additional family friendly recipes:

Games & Crafts

Get crafty and creative this holiday season with these activities fun for all ages!

Do What Works Best for YOU and Your Mental Health

It has been said that during the pandemic, sometimes it takes more effort to accomplish less. The emotional and mental toll of the past months may leave many feeling exceptionally fatigued by the holidays before they have even arrived.

If you need to keep things simple to protect your mental health, then take the time for self-care. If you’re feeling over-Zoomed before weeks of virtual holiday drinks, be honest with your family and friends and let them know you cannot join all of the engagements.

Find information & tips in our blogs:

And, if you need to talk to someone, reach out to JFCS

  • During our Drop-in Hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 10 AM – 12 PM or Tues, Thurs 5 – 7 PM) call 609-987-8100 Dial 0
  • Connect with our intake coordinator for ongoing counseling at 609-987-8100 Ext 102

No-Bake Cereal Bars

Looking for a DIY project? A healthy snack? A break from virtual learning? Try these easy & tasty 3-ingredient, no-bake bars! These healthy treats feature peanuts which contain healthy fats, fiber & plant-based protein!

 

Ingredients & Instructions
  • 3 cups Cheerios cereal
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup honey

Instructions:

  1. Line an 8x8in pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine peanut butter & honey in a saucepan & set over medium heat.
  3. Heat & stir continuously until mixture just starts to simmer (2-3 minutes)
  4. Remove from heat & stir until mixture is smooth.
  5. Stir in cereal until evenly coated.
  6. Pour mixture into prepared pan & spread evenly.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  8. Cut into bars.
Ingredientes & Instrucciones

¿Busca un proyecto? ¿Un bocadillo saludable? ¿Un descanso del aprendizaje virtual? ¡Prueba esta fácil y sabrosa receta de 3 ingredientes sin hornear! Estas golosinas saludables contienen cacahuetes que contienen grasas saludables, fibra y proteínas vegetales.

  • 3 tazas de cereal Cheerios
  • 1/2 taza de mantequilla de maní
  • 1/3 taza de miel

Instrucciones:

  1. Cubra un molde de 8×8 pulgadas con papel de parche.
  2. Combine la mantequilla de maní y la miel en una cacerola y cocine a fuego medio.
  3. Caliente y revuelva continuamente hasta que la mezcla comience a hervir a fuego lento (2-3 minutos)
  4. Retire del fuego y revuelva hasta que la mezcla esté suave.
  5. Agregue el cereal hasta que esté uniformemente cubierto.
  6. Vierta la mezcla en el molde preparado y esparza uniformemente.
  7. Enfriar en el refrigerardo por 1 hora.
  8. Cortar en barras.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats

5 minutes at night for a healthy morning start!

Ingredients & Instructions
  • 1 Cup Oats

  • 1 Cup Milk

  • 4 Tablespoon Peanut Butter

  • 4 Tablespoon Jelly

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together in the evening.
  2. Let sit in the refrigerator overnight
  3. Enjoy in the morning. That’s IT!

Add in your favorite ingredients to personalize your breakfast! Try walnuts, pumpkin seeds, honey, cinnamon, dark chocolate, berries, or bananas.

Ingredientes & Instrucciones

5 minutos por la noche para comenzar una mañana saludable.

  • 1 Taza de Avena

  • 1 Taza de Leche

  • 4 Cucharadas de Mantequilla de Maní

  • 4 Cucharadas de mermelada

Instrucciones:

  1. Mezcle todos los ingredientes por la noche.
  2. Deje reposar en el refrigerador durante la noche.
  3. Disfrute por la mañana. ¡Eso es!

¡Agregue sus ingredientes favoritos para personalizar su desayuno! Pruebe nueces, semillas de calabaza, miel, canela, chocolate negro, bayas o banana.

Peanut Butter & Applesauce Granola

Need a lightly sweet, crunchy & versatile bite. Look no further!  Great as cereal, a snack, yogurt topping and MORE!

 

Ingredients & Instructions
  • 3 Cups Rolled Oats

  • 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup or Honey

  • 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce

  • 1/4 Cup Peanut Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons Oil

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300F degrees.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup/honey, applesauce, oil, peanut butter, and salt until combined.
  3. Add in the oats and mix thoroughly.
  4. Spread the oats evenly on a lined baking sheet.
  5. Place in the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Bake until golden brown.
  6. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
Ingredientes & Instrucciones

Necesita un bocado ligeramente dulce, crujiente y versátil. ¡No busque más! ¡Excelente como cereal, un bocadillo, cobertura de yogurt y MÁS!

  • 3 tazas de avena arrollada

  • 2 cucharadas de jarabe de arce o miel

  • 1/2 taza de puré de manzana sin azúcar

  • 1/4 taza de mantequilla de maní     
  • 2 cucharadas de aceite

  • 1/4 cucharadita de sal

Instrucciones:

  1. Precaliente el horno a 300 ° F.
    2. En un tazón grande, mezcle el jarabe de arce / miel, el puré de manzana, el aceite, la mantequilla de maní y la sal hasta que se combinen.
    3. Agregue la avena y mezcle bien.
    4. Extienda la avena uniformemente en una bandeja para hornear forrada.
    5. Coloque en el molde en el horno y hornee por 45-50 minutos, revolviendo cada 10 minutos. Hornee hasta que estén doradas.
    6. Dejar enfriar completamente y guardar en un recipiente hermético.

Dehydrating to Preserve Deliciousness!

Apple season in NJ is from late August until the end of October. Want the flavors of Fall to last longer? Try these 2 methods of dehydrating apples to keep your fruit for longer & make delicious healthy snacks for the whole family!

Ingredients & Instructions
  • 5 Apples
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon or pie spice

Oven Method:

  1. Wash, peel (optional) & remove apple cores
  2. Slice apples thinly and evenly (1/4 inch)
  3. Sprinkle slices with cinnamon or spice
  4. Put apple slices on a wire baking or cooling racks and place in oven (or put apples directly on clean oven racks)
  5. Set oven to lowest temperature, about 150°F) and prop door open with a wooden spoon (so air and moisture can escape)
  6. Bake for 5 to 8 hours. Times vary, just keep checking.
  7. Allow to cool before storing in an airtight container.

Microwave Method:

  1. Wash, peel (optional) & remove apple cores
  2. Slice apples thinly and evenly (1/4 inch)
  3. Sprinkle slices with cinnamon or spice
  4. Wash and dry the rotating plate of your microwave
  5. Put the fruit slices onto the microwave plate at least an inch apart.
  6. Microwave on DEFROST for 30 minutes. (Use the DEFROST setting otherwise you will burn your fruit!)
  7. Check for doneness (be careful, it will be hot). Allow to cool before storing in an airtight container

 

Ingredientes & Instrucciones

La temporada de manzanas en Nueva Jersey es desde finales de Agosto hasta finales de Octubre. ¿Quieres que los sabores del otoño duren más? ¡Prueba estos 2 métodos de deshidratación de manzanas para conservar la fruta por más tiempo y preparar deliciosos bocadillos saludables para toda la familia!

  • 5 manzanas
  • 1/4 taza de jugo de limón
  • 1 cucharadita de canela

Método del Horno:

  1. Lavar, pelar (opcional) y quitar los corazones de manzana
  2. Corte las manzanas finas (1/4 de pulgada)
  3. Espolvoree con canela.
  4. Coloque las manzanas en una rejilla de alambre para hornear o enfriar y colóquelas en el horno (o coloque las manzanas directamente en las rejillas del horno limpias)
  5. Ajuste el horno a la temperatura más baja, alrededor de 150 ° F) y abra la puerta con una cuchara de madera (para que el aire y la humedad puedan escapar).
  6. Hornee de 5 a 8 horas. Los tiempos varían, solo siga revisando
  7. Deje enfriar antes de guardar en un recipiente hermético.

Método de Microonda:

  1. Lavar, pelar (opcional) y quitar los corazones de manzana
  2. Corte las manzanas finas (1/4 de pulgada)
  3. Espolvoree con canela.
  4. Lave y seque el plato giratorio de su microondas.
  5. Coloque las rodajas de fruta en el plato del microondas al menos a una pulgada de distancia.
  6. Microondas en DESCONGELAR durante 30 minutos. (Utilice el ajuste DESCONGELAR; de lo contrario, quemará la fruta).
  7. Compruebe que esté cocido (tenga cuidado, estará caliente). Deje enfriar antes de guardar en un recipiente hermético

Warm Apple Crisp in a Mug

Apple Season in NJ lasts from late August until the end of October.
Savor the naturally sweet flavor of apples with this 5-minute healthy dessert recipe!

 

Ingredients & Instructions

For Filling

  • 1 apple
  • 1 tsp of sugar/honey/maple syrup
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

For Topping

  • 2 TBSP oats
  • 2 tsp unsweetened applesauce
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp sugar/honey/maple syrup
    pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Peel & dice apple and place it into your favorite microwavable mug.
  2. Add sugar/honey/maple syrup and cinnamon to the mug with the apple and mix.
  3. In a separate small bowl combine all of the topping ingredients.
  4. Spread this mixture across the top of the apples in the mug.
  5. Microwave for 1.5-2 minutes and ENJOY!
Ingredientes & Instrucciones

La temporada de manzana en Nueva Jersey dura desde finales de Agosto hasta finales de Octubre. ¡Saboree el sabor naturalmente dulce de las manzanas con esta receta de postre saludable de 5 minutos!

Ingredientes para el receta:

  • 1 manzana

  • ¼ cucharadita de canela

  • 1 cucharadita de azúcar /miel/ jarabe de arce

Ingredientes para la cobertura:

  • 2 cucharadas de avena
  • 2 cucharaditas de puré de manzana sin azúcar
  • ¼ cucharadita de canela
  • ½ cucharadita de azúcar /miel/ jarabe de arce pellizco de sal

Instrucciones:

  1. Pele y corte la manzana en cubos y colóquela en su taza favorita para microondas.
  2. Agregue azúcar/miel/jarabe de arce y canela a la taza con la manzana y mezcle.
  3. En un tazón pequeño aparte, mezcle todos los ingredientes de la cobertura.
  4. Extienda esta mezcla sobre la parte superior de las manzanas en la taza.
  5. Microonda durante 1.5-2 minutos y ¡DISFRUTE!

One Pan Chicken Tacos with Sweet Potatoes & Black Beans

Sweet potatoes are harvested from late summer through the fall. They are a vitamin-rich & versatile staple of the season.  Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, a plant-based orange/red pigment that converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin, eyes & a strong immune system. Try a new recipe with sweet potatoes this season!

Ingredients & Instructions
  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 Sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 15 oz Black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 Bunch kale, stalks removed & leaves chopped (optional)
  • Olive oil, for roasting
  • 1 Red onion, thinly sliced
  • Tortillas
  • 2 tsp taco seasonings (cumin, chili powder, paprika, choose your favorites!)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl with 1 Tbsp olive oil & season with salt, pepper and 1/2 tsp of your taco seasonings. Stir to coat then set aside.
  3. Arrange the sweet potatoes on a sheet pan then drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Place the prepared chicken onto the sheet pan with the potatoes and roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl combine kale (optional), red onions & black beans. Drizzle with olive oil, remaining taco seasoning, salt, & pepper. Then mix well to combine.
  6. Once the potatoes & chicken have roasted for 20 minutes, carefully add onion & black bean mixture to the pan.
  7. Put the pan back into the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes until the potatoes & the chicken are completely cooked through. Remove from oven & serve onto tortillas with your favorite sides & garnishes.
Ingredientes & Instrucciones

El comote se cosechan de finales del verano hasta el otoño. Son un alimento básico y rico en vitaminas de la temporada.
El comote es rico en betacaroteno, un pigmento naranja / rojo de origen vegetal que se convierte en vitamina A en el cuerpo. La vitamina A ayuda a mantener la piel, los ojos sanos y un sistema inmunológico fuerte.
¡Prueba una nueva receta con comotes esta temporada!

  • 2 pechugas de pollo deshuesadas, cortadas en trozos de 1 pulgada                              
  • 4 comotes, cortadas en cubos de 1/2 pulgada
  • Aceite de olive, para asar
  • Sal y pimienta negra, al gusto
  • 15 oz de frijoles negros, enjuagados y escurridos                                                          –
  • 1 manojo de col rizada, sin tallos y hojas picadas (opcional)
  •  1 cebolla morada, en rodajas finas
  • Tortillas                                          
  • 2 cucharaditas de condimentos para tacos (comino, chile en polvo, pimentón, ¡elige tus favoritos!)

Instrucciones:

  1. Precaliente el horno a 400 ° F.
  2. Coloque el pollo en cubos en un tazón con 1 cucharada de aceite de oliva y sazone con sal, pimienta y 1/2 cucharadita de condimentos para tacos. Revuelva para cubrir y luego reserve.
  3. Coloque las batatas en una sartén, luego rocíe con aceite de oliva y sazone con sal y pimienta.
  4. Coloque el pollo preparado en la bandeja con el camote y ase en el horno durante 20 minutos.
  5. Mientras tanto, en un tazón grande, mezcle la col rizada (opcional), las cebollas rojas y los frijoles negros. Rocíe con aceite de oliva, el condimento restante para tacos, sal y pimienta. Luego mezcle bien para combinar.
  6. Una vez que las papas y el pollo se hayan asado durante 20 minutos, agregue con cuidado la mezcla de cebolla y frijoles negros a la sartén.
  7. Vuelva a colocar la sartén en el horno y ase durante otros 10-15 minutos hasta que las papas y el pollo estén completamente cocidos. Retire del horno y sirva sobre tortillas con sus guarniciones favoritas.

JFCS Women’s Alliance Raises Over $80,000 to Help Support Food Insecure Residents of Mercer County

November 5, 2020

Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County [JFCS] held its second annual event for the JFCS Women’s Alliance, a membership-based collaboration of women focused on addressing hunger in Mercer County.

To date, the Women’s Alliance had raised $80,478 in donations and pledges. The funds raised can support over 10 weeks of distributions through the JFCS Mobile Food Pantry. The Mobile Food Pantry has benefitted over 11,000 individuals since its launch in January of 2020.

This year the JFCS Women’s Alliance introduced tiered giving levels to open membership to more women, particularly to include those whose giving abilities may have been impact by the pandemic, but still wanted to be a part of the group and support the JFCS Mobile Food Pantry.

“We were so impressed with the response to the Women’s Alliance this year,” said Michelle Napell, Executive Director of JFCS. “From the overwhelming response, it is clear people want to give, they want to have their dollars make an impact in their community.”

The pandemic has dramatically increased need for food across all communities, including Mercer County. According to Feeding America, the food insecurity rate in Mercer is expected to reach 13.6% by the end of 2020, representing over 50,000 individuals.

On October 29, all 126 Women’s Alliance members were invited to tune in live to the virtual event, “Community & Resilience” an interview with Joanne Canady-Brown, owner of The Gingered Peach (Lawrenceville, NJ) and Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellow, James Beard Foundation.

“When planning our event, we not only wanted to share about our mobile pantry program, but also take this opportunity to highlight the theme of ‘community and resilience’ through a local story,” said Napell. “Joanne, as a local, small-business owner, certainly showed resilience as she has kept her business going through the pandemic, and through the challenges of this year, she never hesitated to give back to her community despite facing her own obstacles.”

Canady-Brown shared her personal story including her journey in opening The Gingered Peach six years ago, the challenges of navigating the pandemic as a small business owner, and her family inspirations that led to her career in baking and developing a resilient spirit.

“Joanne spoke about her upbringing, and the role food played in building that sense of family and community. She reflected that her family was economically challenges and food was the ‘only vehicle to celebrate’ and used as a way to show love,” noted Napell. “This message resonates with how JFCS approaches our pantry distributions, it is not just about handing out food items, we give with care and compassion to those we serve. We take pride in offering fresh, healthy food items that can truly be a center of a family celebration.”

To learn more about becoming a member or supporting the Women’s Alliance, contact Helaine Isaacs at 609-987-8100 Ext 104 or HelaineI@jfcsonline.org.

See this story in the November 11 edition of Town Topics.

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