Get Ready Fest®

The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation's Get Ready Fest is a signature community outreach event that addresses critical food insecurity in regions deeply affected by poverty. In cities such as Philadelphia, PA, Columbus, OH, New Orleans, LA, Camden, NJ, and Newark, NJ, where poverty levels are alarmingly high, Households facing food insecurity grapple with the constant uncertainty of how to put food on the table while making difficult decisions about allocating their limited resources to meet basic needs. The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is dedicated to providing support for families enduring these hardships.

Each year, TMJF collaborates with hunger relief organizations, food banks, local grocers, and numerous community resource partners to organize the renowned Get Ready Fest. This signature community outreach event is designed to assist hundreds of pre-identified families by providing them with food, essential items, health and wellness products, and crucial resources.

The Foundation's Grocery Pop-Up at the event emphasizes healthy living and eating to combat food insecurity, ensuring families in need access to nutritious food options. Operating through a walk-thru model, this event reaches between 1000 and 1200 families, equipping each household with ingredients to prepare 7-10 days' worth of meals, totaling over 8,000 meals distributed. In addition to the essential food provisions, the event offers an array of health-related services and community resources. These include screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, and basic eye and dental check-ups. Moreover, there's educational and social support provided for GED, job training, and senior and veteran assistance. For the younger attendees, a children's resource area offers new books, school supplies, haircuts, face painting, and more, contributing to a holistic community support approach.