The Story of “Snothing”: Donations from David and Carol Alloy Help Fight Food Insecurity
Guided by the core values of Judaism, the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies respond to critical issues on a daily basis, including the everyday challenges faced by members of our community. Jewish Family Service (JFS), one agency of the JFO, is on the front lines assisting our community with these needs. Their services work to restore hope and meaning when life’s struggles seem insurmountable. They support clients with dignity, privacy, and compassion. Counseling and mental health care, assistance to families and caregivers, senior services, and referrals to other community resources are some of the many services they offer.
While the day-to-day work of JFS is carried out by professional staff, it is the on-going support of the community through the JFO Annual Campaign that keeps everything moving. Whether through donations of goods, time, or money, the participation of the community is what keeps these essential services viable.
Such is the case with David and Carol Alloy.
In 2023, David and Carol came to the Staenberg Kooper Fellman campus to tour the recent renovations. It was during that visit they first learned of the JFS food pantry.
The JFS food pantry provides groceries and personal hygiene supplies to members of the Jewish community who are struggling to make ends meet. It serves as a vital resource for individuals and families facing food insecurity and financial hardship. The pantry provides a calm, welcoming environment where individuals can shop discreetly. Clients experiencing financial hardship may also receive additional support services, including financial assistance, Tzedakah gifts for Jewish holidays, and back-to-school support for children.
Since April 2025, the pantry has been coordinated by Heather Topil, JFS Financial Assistance Coordinator. Heather oversees daily operations, including stocking and shopping for the pantry, as well as working directly with individuals navigating difficult financial circumstances. Over recent months, she has observed a steady and noticeable increase in demand for the pantry.
“This upward trend began in September of last year and has continued as economic pressures have intensified,” she said.
Heather believes inflation and disruptions to public assistance programs have driven the increase in demand. Over the past 5+ years, JFS has seen an estimated 20% increase in requests for this service.
“The JFS food pantry exists to help ease burdens,” she said, “and contributions help ensure the pantry remains stocked with essential items for those who need them most.”
The pantry accepts shelf-stable items, frozen foods, toiletries, and diapers. Perishable items that require refrigeration are only accepted if they are able to be frozen. The pantry does not accept clothing or other material goods.
The discovery of the food pantry was an unexpected philanthropic opportunity for the Alloys. Having once experienced food insecurity himself, David immediately felt compelled to get involved.
“There was a time in my life where I was living on $80 a month unemployment benefits. My rent was $100 a month. I had no extra resources for food,” he said.
At that time David was receiving some assistance in the form of government food and utility vouchers, but it was barely enough to get by.
“I was living on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. There were some days where dinner would be my only meal,” he said. “My grandfather (Sam Wiesman) once taught me a word he coined. That word was ‘snothing’. The meaning of the word is when you have less than nothing. I was at a point in my life where I had ‘snothing’.”
After rejoining the workforce and working his way up, David went on to start a successful business. Years of hard work and dedication have now left David and his wife, Carol, in the position to help others. Today they use their resources to support the causes they are passionate about. Food insecurity is one such cause. At least once a month, David and Carol drop off food donations to the JFS food pantry. They give extra around holidays.
“There were sacrifices along the way, but we’ve been fortunate in life,” David said. “That is why it is important for us to donate.”
The Alloy’s generous donations to the JFS food pantry and the JFO Annual Campaign make a substantive impact.
“The continued success of the pantry would not be possible without the generosity of community partners, particularly the Alloys,” Topil said. “Over the past year, the Alloys have become an integral part of the pantry’s mission, contributing substantial and countless food donations, financial support, and volunteering their time to shopping. Their dedication has made a meaningful difference for the many individuals and families who rely on the pantry’s services. We are deeply grateful for the Alloys’ unwavering commitment and partnership, which has strengthened our ability to meet growing needs and sustain our work in the community.”
Teresa Drelicharz, JFS Executive Director, agrees.
“It is in the times of uncertainty where connection and compassion matter the most,” she said. “Uncertainty is the undercurrent of so many situations; individuals experiencing food insecurity, children experiencing anxiety, seniors facing isolation, families juggling the pressures of work and finances – it further compounds situations that are already difficult. But, when we reach out to one another and lean on the strength of our community, we create resilience, dignity, and well-being. This is why we are so thankful to David and Carol, and to all those who support us. Their donations, along with the funding we receive from the JFO Annual Campaign, allow us to help those in need. Community support is the driving force behind every life touched, every family uplifted, and every dream realized,” she said.
The ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others is something David and Carol take immense pride in and they encourage others to do the same.
“Get involved somehow, even in a small way,” David said. “Giving Tzedakah is a mitzvah, not just an act of kindness. It is a moral imperative. Helping others less fortunate gives you a sense of self pride.”
All donations make a difference. They allow the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies (Jewish Family Service, Institute for Holocaust Education, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, The Jewish Press, Jewish Community Relations Council, Staenberg Omaha JCC) to serve our community. As demand continues to rise, JFS and the JFO remain steadfast in supporting community members during times of hardship—ensuring that no one has to face it alone.
Donations to the Jewish Federation of Omaha 2026 Annual Campaign are currently being accepted and are an easy way to help all JFO agencies succeed at their missions. The Annual Campaign is centralized, meaning it is concerned with the entire community and its continued viability. 80% of Annual Campaign funds are re-invested in the local community to support JFO agencies and partner organizations. Together, these agencies and partners provide the programs, services, learning, connections, and inspiration the community relies on. The JFO counts on all contributions, no matter the size, to ensure the Omaha community remains resilient.
To learn more about the JFO Annual Campaign please contact Rachel Ring, JFO Director of Development, at (402) 334-6443. To learn more about Jewish Family Service contact their office at (402) 330-2024.
