Chesed 24/7’s Pom Juice Program: 24/7 Care in a Bottle

Each week, small frozen bottles of deep-red pomegranate juice arrive in homes, carefully sealed for individuals facing chemotherapy, recovery, or those who need a boost due to medical issues. Fresh, unpasteurized, and packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and natural sugars, the juice provides nourishment and comfort—without additives.

Behind every bottle is a carefully coordinated operation that exemplifies Chesed 24/7’s commitment to chesed around the clock. From California orchards to community freezers, we work to ensure that families facing medical crises have access to this small but meaningful support.

Key Takeaways

• Once a year, an extraordinary commercial production run takes place to produce 52,000 bottles of pomegranate juice for families facing illness.
• Chesed 24/7’s pom juice is crafted from California pomegranates generously donated by Pom Wonderful and processed at the David’s Cookies facility at no cost.
• Families can access pom juice through a simple phone call to the Chesed 24/7 hotline at 845-354-3233 to find the location closest to them.

The Story Behind Chesed's Pom Juice Program: From California Orchards to Your Freezer

Every year, Chesed 24/7 transforms a familiar commercial space into a hub of generosity and industrial-scale production. The operation takes place at David’s Cookies factory, a spacious, professional facility normally buzzing with the scent of freshly baked treats. For two weeks each year, the factory’s ovens give way to mountains of ruby-red pomegranates as the hum of juicing machinery fills the air. To sustain this pace, a dedicated crew of workers is brought in to operate in 12-hour shifts around the clock throughout the entire two-week production period.

From Crates to Juice: Massive Quantities Managed Efficiently

Thousands of pounds of fresh California pomegranates arrive in large wooden crates, stacked high on pallets. Workers move crates into processing lines with practiced precision. Industrial-grade grinders and separators extract the arils and juice. The machinery whirs and spins, turning mountains of fruit into streams of rich, ruby juice, while separating seeds and pulp with perfect efficiency.

High-Volume Bottling and Freezing

Once extracted, the juice flows into a highly-organized bottling line. Hundreds of bottles are filled and labeled in a continuous rhythm, then carefully stacked in layers on pallets. By the end of the run, over 50,000 bottles are prepared, ready to provide energy and nutrients to cholei yisroel.

The juice is distributed to fifteen community-based freezer locations across New York, New Jersey, and beyond. Locations include Borough Park, Williamsburg, Lakewood, Monsey, New Square, and Montreal. Some families pick up a few bottles at a time; others go for larger quantities, especially when supporting someone in active treatment or recovery.

Who Uses the Pom Juice Program?

The program serves a wide range of people. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation make up a large portion of recipients, especially those experiencing nausea, fatigue, or appetite loss. Others include post-surgical patients, individuals recovering from serious illness, or anyone whose family believes fresh juice will support healing and comfort.

Some people drink it daily. Others keep a few bottles in the freezer for rough days. A few families distribute it to extended relatives or neighbors also facing health challenges. There's no limit, no rationing. If someone asks, we provide.

How Pom Juice Fits Into Chesed 24/7's Broader Mission

Pom juice is one piece of a seamless operation that touches thousands of families each year. Chesed 24/7 runs dozens of hospital hospitality rooms, operates a fleet of shuttle vehicles, maintains fully furnished apartments for patient families, and coordinates meal delivery to homes and hospitals across multiple states. The organization also manages medicine chests accessible on Shabbos and Yom Tov and lends medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches at no cost.

Chesed 24/7 charges recipients a minimal fee per bottle to help defray costs, but every service is primarily donor-funded. Producing pom juice requires ongoing support to cover facility expenses, freezer maintenance, transportation, and volunteer coordination. While Pom Wonderful generously donates the fruit and handles logistics, bottling, labeling, freezing, and distribution rely entirely on community contributions.

How You Can Support the Pom Juice Program

This service is made possible through donor support. Those who wish to contribute can sponsor production runs, fund freezer locations, or support the coordination that keeps the system running.

For those interested in learning more about how chesed programs intersect and support one another, additional resources and stories are available here. Inquiries about volunteering, donations, or accessing services can be directed to the Chesed 24/7 hotline at 845-354-3233.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pom juice program at Chesed 24/7?‍

The pom juice program provides fresh, unpasteurized pomegranate juice at minimal cost to families facing medical crises—especially cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The juice is distributed through fifteen community freezer locations across New York, New Jersey, and beyond, making it accessible whenever families need it.

How can I get pom juice from Chesed 24/7?‍

Contact the Chesed 24/7 hotline at 845-354-3233 to find the location nearest you. Pom juice is stocked in communities including Borough Park, Williamsburg, Lakewood, Monsey, and New Square.

Why is fresh pomegranate juice recommended for cancer patients?‍

Fresh pomegranate juice is naturally high in antioxidants and vitamins, and many patients find it easier to tolerate during chemotherapy than pasteurized options, which can develop a metallic taste. Freezing the juice shortly after production helps preserve its flavor and nutritional value without additives.

Who donates the pomegranates for the program?‍

Pom Wonderful donates fresh pomegranates each year, and David's Cookies generously provides access to their production facilities, allowing the juice to be processed efficiently at scale.

How many bottles of pom juice are produced each year?‍

Chesed 24/7 typically produces over 50,000 bottles annually, ensuring a steady supply for families navigating illness and recovery throughout the year.

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