Shalom Center and KAFASI to collaborate in the distribution of fresh produce bags to senior citizens in Kenosha County

Published On: May 18, 2026
Shalom Kafasi

Kenosha WI, (May 18, 2026) Shalom Center and Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services Inc. (KAFASI) have formalized a collaborative partnership to facilitate the monthly distribution of fresh produce bags to senior citizens in Kenosha County who face barriers to accessing adequate food resources. Both organizations share a commitment to reducing food insecurity and improving the health and well-being of vulnerable community members.

“Through our Senior Dining Program, seniors are provided a hot, healthy meal and good company. With the addition of the pre-packaged fresh fruits and vegetables, we are providing an additional level of nutrition,” stated Shebaniah Judah, Executive Director of KAFASI. “In fact, 18.5% of seniors eat less than one vegetable a day and 30.9% eat less than one fruit a day.”

This effort is funded by a grant from TAWANI Foundation on behalf of Mission94 Firearms Education Center. The grant provided $44,000 to Shalom Center to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. This grant has allowed Shalom Center to purchase these items in bulk and have them available for their patrons during grocery distribution days. The collaboration with KAFASI helps extend the reach of this service to the community.

“With the help of TAWANI Foundation grant and the collaboration with KAFASI we will be able to provide 150 pre-packaged bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to seniors in need,” said Esther Roberts, Shalom Center Executive Director

The distribution of fresh produce bags is scheduled to begin May 2026 and run monthly through November 2026.

###

About the Center: Shalom Center is a local 501(c)3 in Kenosha County serving as the only homeless shelter, largest food pantry, longest running nightly meal program, and as a one-stop Community Center. Shalom Center is a community resource that provides housing, food, guidance, and support to individuals and families in need across our community. Our mission is simple: serve the community through food, shelter and supportive ways. We believe that this mission will help realize a greater vision: self-sufficiency by maximizing the potential of people we serve. https://www.shalomcenter.org/

About KAFASI: Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services Inc. (KAFASI) is the largest volunteer-based organization in Southeastern Wisconsin, dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of seniors. Through services like Meals on Wheels, Senior Dining, Caregiver Support, and Transportation Assistance, KAFASI plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for older adults in Kenosha and surrounding areas. To learn more, visit www.kafasi.org

Mission94 Firearms Education Center: Safety, history, discovery are the three foundational pillars that Mission94 Firearms Education Center was built upon. Mission94 strives to deliver a rich experience at a state-of-the-art facility with trainers and staff who are not only passionate about firearms education and training but are deeply committed to promoting safety in a fulfilling environment for all visitors – from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. Mission94 offers a variety of classroom and interactive training in a welcoming environment to educate people on a variety of subjects including the history of firearms. https://mission94firearms.com

About TAWANI Foundation: Founded in 2002 by notable philanthropist and entrepreneur Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), TAWANI Enterprises’ philanthropic organization, TAWANI Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) that provides support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBTQ+ and human rights, education, and environmental initiatives. TAWANI Foundation’s vision is to make a sustained and measurable difference for organizations that focus on enriching knowledge, improving health and wellness, and promoting scientific understanding – all with a common goal of making a positive, long-term impact on individuals, communities, and the culture itself. To learn more, visit https://tawanifoundation.org

SHARE THIS:

PRESS & PUBLICATIONS

Kenosha.com—Shalom Center’s Housing Support Services Program

WGTD interviews Esther Roberts, Shalom Center Executive Director (Her interview starts at 19:15)

WGTD Benefit Raises Funds For The Shalom Center And The Sharing Center

Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez speaks at Shalom Center

YouTube legend Mr. Beast challenges Kenosha content creator in contest against Giannis Antetokounmpo

May 27, 2025

Kenosha YouTuber beats Giannis and wins $100K with MrBeast— then donates it all

May 27, 2025

WTMJ-4: Kenosha’s Hope Hub changing lives for local homeless population

July 15th, 2024

Kenosha News—Wendy Cross reflects on 20 years at Shalom Center in Kenosha

July 9th, 2024

WTMJ-4: Shalom Center’s food pantry: A popular stop for many Kenosha residents

March 13th, 2024

WTMJ-4: Shalom Center unveils new Hope Hub with ribbon cutting ceremony

March 1st, 2024

National Women’s Small Business MonthHonoring Kenosha’s Leaders

October 30th, 2023

WGTD Community Matters-Interview with Tamarra Coleman of the Shalom Center

October 7th, 2023

Hope Box: Jeffrey Hines unveils his Eagle Scout project at the Shalom Center

May 31st, 2023

Shalom Center receives United Way Spirit of Caring Award

April 1, 2023

Pleasant Prairie honors Shalom board member Wayne Koessl with street naming

Jan 15, 2023

Tamarra Coleman named as one of this year’s Gateway Technical College Dr. King Humanitarians

Jan 11, 2023

Tamarra Coleman, Shalom Center step up to serve the community

Feb 4, 2022

Community: As Shalom Center turns 40, let’s continue taking care of each other

Jan 31, 2022

Keeping Kenosha warm for the winter

Nov 9, 2021

Successful Sunday: Pasta dinner benefitting the Shalom Center a big hit

Nov 8, 2021

Shalom Center hosting Back2School Party Thursday

Aug 24, 2021

Kenosha Community Foundation announces 2021 Unrestricted Funds Grants

Jun 1, 2021

Kenosha County Food Bank partners with other nonprofits to streamline food distribution

Apr 20, 2021

Shalom Center celebrates major milestone

Feb 26, 2021