One loaf of challah not only means a weekend filled of decadent French toast and endless munchies, but four meals provided by the North Georgia Food Bank to local homeless shelters.

Zack Feldberg, a junior political science major from Atlanta, and Dana Berger, a sophomore business major from Atlanta, founded a chapter of Challah for Hunger last fall at the University.

The proceeds go to both a Darfur relief fund and the North Georgia Food Bank.

“Dana and I were in a Jewish education class together called Maimonides, and we wanted to do something together to give back to the community,” Feldberg said. “So, we wanted to make challah, which is Jewish egg bread, and give them to the homeless. We changed plans a bit when I heard about a national organization called Challah for Hunger.”

Baking Director Raleigh Saperstein, a junior dietetics major from Atlanta, is in charge of coordinating the grocery inventory and recipes.

“We meet at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m every Thursday to prepare,” said Saperstein. “I take inventory and see which ingredients we’ve used and what we need. I also think of new flavors and address the recipe accordingly.”

Challah is a Jewish egg bread, ideal for French Toast and sandwiches.

“Challah is a moist egg bread, dense but still a fluffy texture. It’s got hints of sweet and usually braided in circles or loaves and topped with dried fruit or other toppings.”

The breads also come in different flavor varieties.

“My favorite flavor is cinnamon sugar,” Saperstein said. “I absolutely love to think of new flavors, new artisanal types. Like tonight, I’m trying a jalapeño cheddar challah.”

At only $4 a loaf, the organization has raised more than $800 a month since its inception.

“The Darfur Relief Fund is what the national organization chooses to donate to, and then we get to pick what the other 50 percent benefits,” Berger said. “We chose the most local food bank to most directly impact our local homeless.”

According to the North Georgia Food Bank, one meal costs $1. Therefore, Challah for Hunger as already donated more than 2,000 meals.

The group bakes 64 loaves a week and sells them from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside of Tate. However, the challah is usually sold out well before 2.

Though challah is a Jewish bread and Challah for Hunger is sponsored by Hillel, an organization that raises funds for secular causes.

“The majority of people who buy our challah are not Jewish,” Berger said. “And you do not need to be Jewish to help bake, either. We are teaching people a tiny bit of our culture that they can enjoy on a non-religious level.”

Volunteer times can be found on Facebook.

“Baking is fun,” Allison Bregman said, a freshman from Atlanta majoring in international affairs. “It’s a really relaxing break from the dorms and classes and studying. You smell delicious afterwards and gives you something yummy to eat the next couple days.  It doesn’t matter what your religion or beliefs are. This is just about helping people.”

When: Every Thursday and Friday at 11 a.m.

Where: Outside Tate

Price: $4