Lefty’s Bagels, a family-owned bagel shop at 13359 Olive Blvd. in Chesterfield, is making a difference in the community. In 2024, the shop donated more than 41,000 bagels to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, located at 10601 Baur Blvd. in West County, helping individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Since opening in 2021, co-founders and brothers-in-law Doug Goldenberg and Scott “Lefty” Lefton have built a reputation not only for quality and taste but also for their generosity and commitment to the community. Seeing an opportunity to support those in need, they began donating their surplus bagels to the food pantry operated by Jewish Family Services (JFS).
“The food pantry has been a staple of our community and has always led the way in feeding people in need,” Goldenberg said. “We’re two years old now and are continuing to grow, but we want to make sure we continue to give back.”
JFS CEO Miriam Seidenfeld emphasized the impact of Lefty’s Bagels’ contributions. “JFS is deeply grateful for the generosity of Lefty’s Bagels. Their dedication to fighting hunger exemplifies the power of local businesses in strengthening the community,” Seidenfeld said. “Their contributions not only reduce food waste but also provide essential nourishment to those who rely on the food pantry’s services.”
Community members who want to support the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry can contribute financially, donate essential food items, or organize a food drive.
The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry helps roughly 6,000 children, adults and seniors every month, giving them seven to 10 days worth of food. Eighty-five percent of households served have incomes below the federal poverty level. As the largest food pantry in the region, it annually serves more than 15,000 individuals from 72 different zip codes throughout St. Louis County.
This article appears in March 2025.