The Great American Deli Schelp Heads to Canter’s

The Schlep is designed to raise awareness for MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. Goode’s unique way of doing so is by visiting 42 Jewish delis across the country, inspired by a 2019 list of the country’s best delis compiled by the Jewish food site Nosher.

He aims to complete the 16,000-mile trip in 75 days and described the Schlep as a labor of love. A longtime Mazon supporter, Goode said, “I didn’t realize how many people — 38 million — are food-insecure. In the last 12 months, that number has shot to 80 million.”

Canter’s is the 33rd stop on Goode’s Schlep, and although each deli reflects the flavors of its geographical location, Goode said most are family-owned, have a close connection to their customers and are built on a personal story. Atlanta’s deli The General Muir was named after refugee transport ship General C.H. Muir, which brought European Jews to the United States in 1949, including the mother and grandparents of one of the deli’s owners.

Goode is picking up his own tabs, so all donations go directly to MAZON. In return, the delis receive no-strings publicity for hosting him.

“People are skeptical that they’re going to get something for nothing,” he said, “but I tell them, ‘All you have to do is take a picture of me with the sign. I’ll post to my social media and we’ll get the word out. A donation would be nice, but isn’t conditional.’ ”