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Dear Friends,
2024 has been a year of extraordinary challenges for Israel. As the nation faced the harsh realities of war, Leket Israel responded to an unprecedented surge in demand, extending far beyond its usual clientele while simultaneously contending with a sharp decline in its fresh produce supply. At the same time, Israel’s agricultural sector – the country’s largest donor of excess food – grappled with severe disruptions and related declining output.
In response, Leket continued to expand its operations, supporting at-risk farmers and providing critical aid to evacuated families and residents in high-risk areas. This was made possible by doubling the organization’s annual budget, facilitated by the unwavering support of Leket’s donors. We thank you once again for your remarkable support and are honored to provide you with this overview of organizational activity in 2024.
Highlights of the Year 2024
- Supported 300 partner nonprofit organizations (NPOs) serving 415,000 high-risk Israeli individuals per week.
- Rescue and purchase of:
- 69.2 million lbs. (31,400 metric tons) of fresh produce from 727 farms and packing houses.
- 2.1 million meals from 101 suppliers.
- Production and distribution of 921,001 pints (500g) of frozen soup and assorted vegetables.
- Distribution of: $1,063,200 in direct financial assistance to 3,934 families at risk.
- $488,000 in direct financial assistance to 361 farmers at risk.
- $4,000,000 in grants to 195 southern border farmers.
- $1,925,000 in low-interest loans for 50 farmers at high risk.
- Recruitment of 95,000 volunteers to support Leket’s operations.
Overview of Activities since October 7, 2023
Leket understood that disrupted farming in the south and north threatened to trigger a devastating chain reaction. Fewer operating farms meant declining output, leading to higher prices and rising food insecurity. Exactly when increased numbers of civilians would need emergency food provision, less produce would be available for rescue and redistribution.
Leket’s two decades of relationships with over 3,000 farms throughout the country meant that the organization was uniquely attuned to the immediate needs of farmers nationwide. Leket understood that by providing unprecedented assistance to the farming community, farmers could maintain operations, which would help prevent increased food insecurity in the country.
Additionally, the inability to rescue meals from cooked meal suppliers—including the IDF and corporate cafeterias—compelled Leket to purchase meals, allowing us to meet the growing demand and continue supporting those in need during this critical time.
This framed Leket’s initial response; in the last quarter of 2023, Leket spent $10,830,000 on emergency support, which primarily focused on (a) food purchase and delivery to at-risk residents, (b) direct financial support to farmers and evacuees and (c) sending volunteers to farms.
2024 Pillars of Support
Building upon the foundations laid in 2023, Leket expanded its approach, adapting expectations and activities to evolving challenges, particularly the continued devastation of farms along the Lebanese border. With over 330,000 million lbs. of produce wasted in the first six months of the war alone, Leket prioritized rescuing surplus food wherever possible.
While meal rescue nearly recovered to pre-war levels in 2024, thanks to adjustments in staffing and modified rescue routes, produce rescue recovered to only 60% of pre-war levels due to the severe damage sustained by the farming community. Nevertheless, the organization worked tirelessly to balance food rescue with strategic purchase to meet the needs of the increased vulnerable population.
Assistance focused on three key pillars –
1. Food rescued and purchased:
- Purchase of 25.5 million lbs. (11,600 metric tons) of fresh fruit, vegetables, and 250,000 meals.
- Rescue of 43.7 million lbs. (20,000 metric tons) of fresh fruit, vegetables, and 1.8 million meals.
- Production and assembly of 921,001 pints (500g) of soup and assorted frozen vegetables.
- Purchase, assembly, and distribution of 10,620 dried food parcels.
2. Populations supported: At-risk farmers, border communities, displaced families, and elderly, and homebound individuals:
- Distribution of $1,551,200 in pre-loaded credit cards to 4,295 families.
- Distribution of 73.5 million lbs. (33,340 metric tons) of fresh food to 415,000 at-risk individuals throughout the country.
3. Stabilizing the Farming Sector:
- Establishment and distribution of a $4,000,000 grant fund, in partnership with Strauss, to support southern border farms affected by the war by helping them replace damaged equipment and restore land.
- Establishment of two ultra-low-interest loan funds, in partnership with Koret and Ogen, providing $1,925,000 in loans to high-risk farmers.
- Purchase of 25.5 million lbs. (11,600 metric tons) of fruit and vegetables from farmers, providing vital income and ensuring a continued supply to at-risk populations.
- Recruitment and transportation for volunteers to support farmers nationwide, with 51,000 dedicated individuals volunteering to help farmers.
Funding the War Effort
In 2024, Leket’s war assistance cost $21,300,000; the largest expenses being produce purchase and volunteer transportation. To cover additional costs, the organization implemented a diversified fundraising plan that resulted in 68,300 donations from 31,830 donors; 42% of these donors were new. In monetary terms, Israel-based donations accounted for 28%, while 72% were from overseas. Of the total donations received, 43% were from private donors, 34% were from Foundations and 5% from Jewish Federations.
Looking Forward to 2025
Nationwide recovery for the farming community remains daunting, while labor shortages continue to compound the challenge, and many evacuees have yet to return to their homes. Leket will continue to support Israeli farmers in 2025 in their rehabilitation and return to farming activity. While food purchase will still be necessary, Leket aims to rescue 30% more produce than it did last year.
Leket will confront significant challenges in the coming year as we adapt to the evolving landscape. We must assess the long-term sustainability of volunteer-based solutions should labor shortages persist and strategically balance growing demands for food provision with the availability of resources for rescue.
In these challenging times, with shifting political climates and evolving needs, Leket remains steadfast in its mission to continue providing nutritious and healthy food to at-risk populations throughout Israel while decreasing unnecessary food waste. The organization will continue to leverage its logistical operation and long-term relationships within the agricultural and catering sectors to respond quickly, efficiently, and effectively to crises.
We thank you once again for your generous support and look forward to our continued partnership in 2025.
