MONTREAL — Poor Jews of any age can now eat supper for free two evenings a week at the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors (CJCS).

J-Café was opened last week by Federation CJA, in partnership with Agence Ometz, the Communauté sépharade unifiée du Québec and CJCS.

Federation president Marc Gold said the service is intended for members of the Jewish community, in particular seniors and families, who are “struggling to cope during these tough economic times.”

Hot kosher meals are provided in the CJCS cafeteria Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays are designated for families, and there are activities for children. Although there is no charge for the meals, those who can are welcome to make a donation.

“This initiative is a direct response to an increase in demands our agencies are seeing from the most vulnerable in our community,” Gold said. “Based on this, we determined that there is a real need to supplement other food resources that already exist.”

J-Café is sponsored by anonymous donors and the Jewish Community Foundation. The service depends on volunteers and anyone who wants to help out is invited to find out more. For information on J-Café, call 342-1234.