Johnny’s Giving Kitchen: Young Professionals Prepare 100+ Meals for People Facing Hunger to Honor Friend

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Aug. 9, 2026 – Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken & Jersey City (CYP) brought together dozens of young professionals from across Hudson County on Sunday for the inaugural Johnny’s Giving Kitchen, preparing and packaging more than 100 homemade meals for Hudson County residents facing food insecurity while honoring the life and legacy of beloved committee member Jonathan “Johnny” Ellis.

Johnny, who passed away in April, was a valued member of the CYP community whose compassion, generosity, and commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Johnny’s Giving Kitchen was named in his memory, transforming a day of service into an opportunity to carry his spirit of giving forward.

During the event, volunteers worked side by side to cook, assemble, and package meals for distribution to the Hoboken Shelter, serving individuals and families experiencing hunger throughout Hudson County.

“Johnny had a remarkable way of bringing people together and inspiring those around him to care for others,” said Rabbi Shmully Levitin of Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken & Jersey City. “Johnny’s Giving Kitchen allows us to honor his memory in a way that reflects who he was, by turning compassion into action. Seeing so many young professionals come together to prepare meals for our neighbors was incredibly meaningful, and we know that every meal served carries a little piece of Johnny’s generous spirit with it.”

The event was held as part of CYPcares, Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken & Jersey City’s community service initiative, and built upon CYP’s Giving Kitchen program, which regularly brings together volunteers to prepare homemade meals for neighbors in need.

For participants, the gathering offered an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the community while celebrating the life of someone who embodied the spirit of service at the heart of the program.

“There was something really special about coming together not only to prepare meals for people in our community who need them, but also to celebrate Johnny and what he meant to so many of us,” said Jake Freedman, a Johnny’s Giving Kitchen participant. “You could feel that sense of connection throughout the day. It reminded us that even a simple act like cooking a meal can make a difference, especially when a community comes together to do it.”

Through CYPcares and future Johnny’s Giving Kitchen events, Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken & Jersey City plans to continue creating opportunities for young professionals to serve their neighbors, make community connections, and carry forward Johnny’s legacy of compassion and generosity.

Those interested in participating in an upcoming Johnny’s Giving Kitchen session form supporting the initiative through a donation can learn more at ChabadYoungHJC.com/jgk.

Groups, companies, and individuals are also invited to fill out the interest form to host private volunteer cooking events. Organizations serving those in need are invited to contact the program to request meals for their constituents.

About Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken & Jersey City

Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken & Jersey City is a vibrant community that connects Jewish young professionals through meaningful social, educational, and volunteer experiences. Through its CYPcares initiative, the organization creates opportunities for members to make a tangible impact in the local community through acts of service and giving.