.svg){kind=small}
About the Organization
Leket Israel, the National Food Bank, is the leading food rescue organization in Israel. Unique among all other organizations that serve the poor in Israel and food banks worldwide, Leket Israel’s sole focus is rescuing healthy, surplus food and delivering it to those in need through partner nonprofit organizations.
The Vision
An Israel where all surplus, nutritious food is rescued and directed to those who need it.
The Mission
To lead the safe, effective and efficient collection and distribution of surplus nutritious food in Israel, to those who need it.
Why was the organization established?
Joseph Gitler immigrated to Israel from New York in 2000 and soon became acquainted with the statistics of poverty in the State of Israel. These statistics included the understanding that poverty referred to even those who work for a living yet struggle to survive on a daily basis and still remain below the poverty line.
In 2003, Table to Table, the precursor to Leket Israel, was established with the goal of rescuing nutritious surplus food, preventing food waste and helping to eliminate the problem of food insecurity. The organization soon became Israel’s largest food and food distribution network.
What does Leket Israel do?
Leket Israel rescues surplus agricultural produce and collects surplus prepared meals, which are sorted and distributed to people in need throughout Israel. The Cheri Fox Nutrition and Quality Department ensures that all food collection and distribution meet the highest food safety standards and nutritional guidelines.
Leket Israel also employs a team of registered dietitians who provide nutrition education workshops for diverse populations, helping raise awareness of healthy eating and proper nutrition.
Leket Israel in Numbers
In 2025:
- 170 employees
- 120,000 volunteers
- Logistics Center:
- Storage area of about 6,000 square meters
- Cooling capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters
- 63 dedicated food rescue vehicles
- 33,795 tons of food
- 100% healthy food
- 346 nonprofit partner agencies that receive food from Leket Israel and deliver it to 470,000 Israelis in need per week
- 401 Nutrition Education Workshops for at-risk populations
As of 2020:
- 105 employees
- 15,000 volunteers
- Logistics Center:
- Storage area of about 6,000 square meters
- Cooling capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters
- 27 dedicated vehicles
- 19,916 tons of food
- 100% healthy food
- 330 nonprofit organizations that receive food from Leket Israel and deliver it to 246,000 needy Israelis per week
The Vision
An Israel where all surplus, nutritious food is rescued and directed to those who need it.
The Mission
To lead the safe, effective and efficient collection and distribution of surplus nutritious food in Israel, to those who need it.