An update on availability of Passover food
in our community this year
Shortly before Passover began last year, I received a call from a community member who expressed her frustration with the paltry availability of Passover food in her local grocery stores. I began reaching out to our local grocery chains to see what we could do to help our community get the Passover-related food and supplies they needed to make this year’s Passover celebration as easy as possible. During my conversations, I learned that grocery chains typically begin talking with vendors and start ordering their Passover-related products in September/October.

Following a series of phone calls, letters, and emails, the two grocery chains that responded were Vons/Albertsons and Ralphs. Sadly I never heard from anyone from Stater Bros., Sprouts, or Whole Foods. (Trader Joe's responded but explained that they usually only carry a very limited Passover selection and were not looking to expand at this time).

Since August, I have been working closely with the purchasing agents for the region for both Vons/Albertsons and Ralph’s to maximize the Passover products in their respective stores. Although a majority of their stores do have a small Passover display each year, I suggested that they set up their larger displays in centrally located stores in our community. This way they can maximize the variety and availability in a few stores. I also asked them to share with us their Passover marketing ad. Below this update you will see Vons/Albertsons' ad.

At the beginning of March, Vons set up their “larger” Passover displays at both their Pasadena location (corner of Colorado and Sierra Madre) and La Verne location (corner of Foothill/Wheeler). Below are pictures from each display:
Vons Pasadena
2355 E Colorado Blvd,
Pasadena, CA 91107
Vons La Verne
1600 Foothill Blvd,
La Verne, CA 91750
Ralph's has been a bit slower this year in comparison to Vons. Ralph's is planning to have their larger displays and availability at three stores (one in Glendale, one in Pasadena (Hastings Ranch) and one in Riverside (Canyon Crest). They are still waiting on having more merchandise being delivered to the stores as they continue to "build" their displays. Once these displays are finished, I will make sure that we send out another Passover update (and include pictures).

When you visit these stores, please make sure to thank the store managers or store directors for what Passover food they have and let them how much you appreciate them working with the Jewish Federation to ensure that you are able to find the products you are looking for. And if there are specific items you know you want, but are not able to find, please let us know. We will be keeping a list and I will share it with each chain once Passover ends as we continue to work with them to ensure the availability and variety in the coming years.

Now I am well aware of how frustrating it is not to be able to find the Passover items you need each year. Please know that I, and the Jewish Federation, am fully committed to continue working with the local supermarket chains to increase their supply and variety. (We are even hoping to be able to get them to carry kosher chicken and brisket for Passover.) However, it is going to take some time. We will continue working on this moving forward and will make sure our community continues to get the Passover-related food and supplies we need to celebrate.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out and share them with us. And lastly, please look for this year's Passover Resource Guide that will be sent out next Thursday!