As the Jewish community celebrates the high holy days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, we at Backpack Brigade are focused on making sure the cultural and dietary needs of kids in need are met. This week, Nutritionist and Board Member Marcy MacAdam gives us a peek into our Kosher weekend hunger bags and explains the special considerations we observe to ensure that even kids who keep kosher have enough to eat all weekend long.
Who typically requests kosher bags?
We have a large Jewish community in the greater Seattle area. A significant percentage keep kosher, but others just enjoy having foods that speak to their culture, even if they don’t keep strict observance.
What special considerations did you have when you were creating the Kosher bags?
We make sure that every item that goes into these bags has some form of kosher certification. In addition, we partnered with a local rabbi for guidance on recognizing the different forms of certification, as well as getting recommendations for items that are well known in the Jewish communities.
How do you reconcile the availability of food to the religious requirements of the kosher menu?
To be honest, it can be quite hard to find items that are certified that are available to buy in large quantities and not cost prohibitive! Fortunately, with growing recognition of the great diversity we have in the United States, more large food distributors are meeting the demand for products that conform to cultural dietary needs, which has increased the number of available options. Additionally, we have been very fortunate to have made connections in the local Jewish community and we have been able to include some of our items when they buy for local stores that specialize in Kosher foods. Combining purchasing power with them has really helped out!
What are easy substitutions when the “ideal” food isn’t available?
While there are many nuances to keeping Kosher, avoiding foods that contain or have had any contact with animal products is something to keep in mind. Also, foods that aren’t manufactured in a facility, such as local fruits or veggies is a healthy and generally safe option.
Can you suggest an easy, child-friendly Yom Kippur break-the-fast meal from the foods in the kosher bag?
Large, heavy meals are never a good idea for after a fasting period, especially in children. Using the applesauce as a dip for the ZeeZees® smore’s bar would be a yummy, tummy-friendly choice!
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