At Masbia, we have seen a 500% increase in demand in the past year and a half due to the pandemic. As the High Holidays approach, that number will increase even more. This is due to the extended unemployment benefits ending on September 5th as well as the fact that all of the High Holidays are jam-packed into the month of September, leaving only 6 full workdays and 7 half days. Typically, people who are in the gig economy are more prone to find themselves in need of emergency food than people with salary-based jobs. For example, when one is ill and unable to work, or one has a gap in demand for their work. Due to the holiday observance, this September has the potential to push all of them into such a situation, causing a huge strain on their income.

See news clips and articles on Masbia staff and volunteers feeding the needy for Rosh Hashanah for over a decade. The news stories and videos are listed in chronological order. 

All of the High Holidays are jam-packed in the month of September, leaving only 7 full work days. Typically, people who are in the gig economy are more prone than people with salary based jobs in needing to use Masbia. For example, when one has a gap in demand for their work or doesn't feel well and can't work. This September, the Hebrew calendar has the potential to push all of them into such a situation, causing Masbia to be in high demand.