Leket Israel Summary 2024
The 2024 Annual Report is a summary of Leket’s ongoing activities over the past year alongside the emergency relief efforts which were implemented as a result of the Swords of Iron War. Your continued support enables Leket Israel to continue fulfilling its primary mission; rescuing high quality, surplus food and distributing it to those who need it most throughout Israel.
This year, in light of the ongoing conflict, Leket faced new and unique challenges within a shifting and complex reality. Food rescue sources having yet to return to full capacity, a significant increase in the number of individuals receiving assistance, inaccessible agricultural fields and the rising cost of living, have made the work that Leket Israel does even more critical and impactful than ever.
Leket to Table – Cooked Meals
For over 20 years, Leket has been rescuing fresh and nutritious food and delivering it to those in need throughout the country. During routine times, Leket rescues cooked meals mainly from IDF army bases, hotels, and corporate cafeterias.
In 2024, Leket rescued, purchased, and distributed 2,834,000 fresh and nutritious meals. Of these, 1,833,000 meals were rescued. Due to a reduction in food rescue sources caused by the ongoing war, Leket purchased an additional 250,000 cooked meals this year to ensure continued support for populations in need.
In November, even before the ceasefire along the northern border, Leket launched a new and unique project to support the 3,000 residents of Kiryat Shmona who remained in their homes on the front lines. These residents were mostly elderly or families who had children with special needs and were unable to leave their homes.
For this initiative, Leket partnered with Chabad of Kiryat Shmona to distribute hot meals and soups, directly to the residents’ doorsteps. The goal was to provide them with nutritious food, a basic and essential need, while also providing them a sense of security that was crucial during this difficult time. Since the launch of the project, a total of 12,060 meals and soups have been distributed along with 242,920 lbs. (110,187 kg) of fresh fruit and vegetables to the residents of Kiryat Shmona.
Yigal, the Director of Chabad Kiryat Shmona, worked with a team of thirty volunteers to deliver meals each day, directly to the doorsteps of those in need.
“Leket Israel’s assistance is literally saving lives,” he shares. “Every day our residents receive delicious, satiating meals. For people who are unable to leave their homes, the care and attention make all the difference – it lets them know they haven’t been forgotten.”
Project Leket - Agriculture
Over the past year, Leket successfully distributed 69,229,477 lbs. (31,402,000 kg) of fresh and varied agricultural produce to underserved populations in Israel. Of this, around 25,454,543 lbs. (11,546,000 kg) of fruit and vegetables were purchased directly from the farmers. This effort was done specifically to support Israeli agriculture, which was severely impacted during the war, and to address the significant decline in the availability of agricultural produce.
For years, Israeli farmers have been donating their surplus agricultural produce to Leket Israel, for the purpose of distribution to vulnerable Israelis throughout the country. Out of a deep appreciation for their meaningful contributions, Leket launched the innovative Metivey Leket, Leket Champions, program this year. This initiative aims to strengthen ties with farmers, honor their contributions, nurture the relationship and deepen the partnership with Leket Israel.
In November, Leket hosted a unique celebration for the farmers which was attended by 300 farmers from across the country. The event included a dinner and a ceremony where we expressed our deepest gratitude and appreciation for these invaluable partners.
This was a special opportunity to honor the farmers for their significant contribution to combatting food insecurity in Israel and to strengthen the bonds and partnerships with them, working toward a better future for all.
Supporting Israeli Agriculture - Extending a Helping Hand to Farmers
Over the past year, Leket Israel, in collaboration with Strauss, established a $4 million (NIS 14 million) grant fund to support 195 farmers in the Gaza border region. The fund was designed to aid in the rehabilitation of fields, soil and equipment damaged during the war. Its goal was to provide immediate assistance for restoring agricultural land, repairing greenhouses, planting new crops and replacing damaged equipment.
In the coming year, Leket Israel will continue this effort with full dedication, focusing on rehabilitating damaged agricultural fields in the north and helping Israeli agriculture recover.
For practical support for the rehabilitation of the fields and local agriculture, Leket mobilized 51,000 volunteers from Israel and around the world. These volunteers assisted 368 farmers with harvesting and field restoration, demonstrating remarkable solidarity and serving as a critical force in helping the farmers recover.
Israeli farmers are essential partners in both national and social resilience as well as key partners in Leket Israel’s mission. Due to the severe impact of the war, many farmers faced significant challenges. In response, Leket Israel established a comprehensive support framework aimed at helping them navigate economic and operational difficulties, bolstering their resilience and supporting local agriculture during this time of crisis.
Volunteers Embrace Leket with Love and Dedication
In 2024, 95,000 volunteers supported Leket Israel’s operations. Of these, 51,000 assisted farmers in the fields, 34,000 volunteered at Harvest Helpers in Rishon Lezion and the Leket Israel Logistics Center and 10,000 participated in distributing food packages to seniors and Holocaust survivors. Volunteers from all over Israel and throughout the world displayed tremendous solidarity, playing a vital role in strengthening local agriculture. Their support was crucial and significantly contributed to reducing food waste in Israel.
This past year was especially challenging, filled with change and uncertainty, with new obstacles arising daily. Throughout it all, one thing remained steadfast, the unwavering dedication of Leket Israel’s staff and volunteers. These individuals stood at the forefront of our efforts, day after day, with open hearts and outstretched hands, ensuring help reached everyone in need, even during the most difficult moments.
In September, Leket hosted a special event to express our gratitude to the staff and volunteers. The event, which was held right before Rosh Hashanah, was a unique opportunity to celebrate the upcoming holiday and all those involved in Leket’s mission, for the first time.
The event was hosted in the Netanya Cultural Hall and was attended by around 200 staff members and 400 volunteers. The evening began with a reception and continued with a moving recognition ceremony honoring everyone for their contributions.
Another initiative that was launched involved hiring tour guides, who had been severely impacted by the economic situation and left without work, to serve as paid volunteer coordinators in the field. These guides were trained to connect volunteers with the farmers, ensuring smooth collaboration. Today, the tour guides continue to accompany volunteers six days a week, acting as liaisons for their groups and ensuring the needs of both volunteers and farmers are met effectively.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity. Up until now, we’ve felt completely abandoned. Your support not only proves that someone cares but it also allows me to continue doing what I love, while providing for my family,” shared one of the tour guides participating in the project.
Soup Project
For the past three years, Leket has been producing high-quality soups from surplus vegetables. These soups are distributed to those in need, primarily the elderly and those unable to cook for themselves, with the goal of increasing the variety of healthy food consumed by them and extending the shelf life of agricultural produce.
In 2023, it was decided to expand the project and Leket started to produce frozen stews, also made from surplus produce, and distributed them to those in need. In the past year, Leket supplied 380,000 soups and frozen stews through more than 70 nonprofit partners and organizations. Leket will continue to diversify and enrich the menu for those in need this year, while also supporting the expansion of infrastructure in these organizations so they can receive and provide more nutritious soups and stews to those who need them.
“There are some people who come to our center who are so hungry and the food they receive from us is the only food they eat all day. Recently, we started receiving soups that we can give them to take home, and some even eat soups with vegetables. Thanks to Leket Israel for bringing us food and doing good for me and everyone.”
– Lilach Amir-Ovadya, Manager of the M.A.M.T.S Center in Haifa
Significant Support of Vulnerable Populations
Leket Israel provides weekly support to 415,000 individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds who suffer from food insecurity. Among them are seniors, Holocaust survivors, youth-at-risk, and families in distress who face limited access to healthy food and a lack of knowledge and awareness about the impact of proper nutrition on a person’s health.
Since the outbreak of the war, there has been a 25% increase in the number of people requiring assistance, including evacuees, families of soldiers in the reserves, and residents along the frontlines who are unable to relocate.
To address these changing needs, Leket has expanded its operations and adapted them to the diverse populations. Alongside food distribution, Leket focuses on providing personalized support to ensure effective and meaningful assistance for each recipient. Leket Israel’s goal is not just to rescue and distribute food but to offer customized support that aligns with the lifestyles, needs, and unique characteristics of those we assist, ensuring the aid provided is impactful and meaningful for all.
For example, in supporting the Ethiopian community, Leket distributed over 1,500 specialized food packages containing traditional items such as teff and legumes. Volunteers delivered these parcels directly to the homes of the recipients, primarily seniors and struggling families, to provide tailored assistance that respect their unique needs.
“These donations truly saved us,” shared one family. “They allowed us to prepare delicious traditional meals and celebrate the holiday with dignity.”
Leket Express
In 2023, Leket launched “Leket Express” a truck, filled with fresh agricultural produce, arrives in neighborhoods where there is no local NPO partner and residents live in low socio-economic conditions. In 2024, responding to the growing need, Leket Israel expanded the initiative, opening six new distribution points in Netanya, Givat Olga (Hadera), Ashkelon, Rishon Lezion, Dimona, Mevaseret Zion, and Umm al-Fahm. Over the course of the year, 1,679,169 lbs. (761,659 kg) of fresh, healthy produce were distributed, providing significant support to hundreds of families across the country.
“Dear Leket Israel, thank you for all the kindness you bring into our lives, especially for the distribution of fruit, vegetables and the wonderful soups. May God bless you and everyone involved in this initiative. A special thank you, of course, to the farmers whose donations play such a significant role in this incredible mitzvah.”
“These donations truly saved us,” shared one family. “They allowed us to prepare delicious traditional meals and celebrate the holiday with dignity.”
Nonprofit Partner Agencies
In 2024, through Leket’s network of 300 nonprofit agency partners and organizations, Leket distributed food to 415,000 Israelis in need across the country. Leket’s nonprofit partners work closely with Leket Israel, distributing food to those in need while receiving comprehensive professional support. This includes assistance with infrastructure, food safety consultations and workshops on eating healthy on a limited budget for both staff and clients.
In June, Leket hosted a festive and inspiring conference for all the partner organizations. The event was held at the Leket Israel Logistics Center in Gan Haim and provided a wonderful opportunity to meet the incredible individuals behind the vital work of supporting those in need throughout Israel.
We were honored to welcome over 300 representatives from all over the country and from all sectors. The evening included a dinner, speeches from Leket Israel representatives and an inspiring talk on leadership by journalist and media personality, Shay Gal.
The event presented a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections with Leket’s partner organizations who serve as ambassadors of goodness. As Gidi Kroch, CEO of Leket Israel, expressed in his speech:
“We are all important messengers, and we do our with love. We see and appreciate all your hard work. It’s the human touch, the listening ear, the glass of water, and the small smile that make a difference. Because in the end, who are we if not the people who make up a community, a city and a homeland.”
This conference was another opportunity for Leket to express gratitude for these vital partnerships and to highlight the profound significance of our collective work, which brings light and life to hundreds of thousands of people across Israel.
“Once a week, Meir Panim receives fresh fruit and vegetables from Leket Israel. Since the outbreak of the war, we have started receiving daily meals which we are very grateful for. This is a solution for both lunch and dinner, sustaining our clientele during the difficult times of the war. I want to thank Leket Israel for their contribution and ongoing assistance, especially during these challenging times”
– Nissim Almikayes, Manager of “Meir Panim” in Dimona
Expanding Assistance to Northern Residents
With the escalation of the war and its severe impact on the northern residents which caused a significant increase in the number of people requiring nutritional support, Leket opened a new food hub in Karmiel, outside of Haifa, in November. The goal of the hub is to provide a targeted and focused solution for the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations in the area, offering a meaningful response to the growing food insecurity in the region.
The Karmiel hub operates as a center for colleting and distributing cooked meals, sourced from IDF army bases in the Karmiel area and surrounding regions. The meals are carefully packaged and delivered directly to the homes of the recipients in Karmiel, Akko and the Krayot (Haifa region). Leket’s goal is to ensure that every family receives a hot, nutritious meal. The hub currently provides 220 meals daily, including a variety of hot dishes and soups, tailored specifically to the needs of the population.
The hub is operation in cooperation with the Leket’s nonprofit partner Lichyot B’Kavod (Living with Dignity), which manages the volunteers who work tirelessly every day. This initiative highlights Leket’s commitment to ensuring food security for northern residents, especially during this challenging period, serving as an essential support network for hundreds of families facing economic and nutritional distress.
NPO Survey
Leket Israel collaborates with 300 nonprofit organizations throughout the country, who serve as key partners in distributing food to those in need. Thanks to these partnerships, Leket is able to reach as many people as possible who require assistance and provide vital support during challenging times.
Over the past year, Leket conducted a comprehensive survey among 174 nonprofit partner agencies nationwide from Kiryat Shemona to Eilat. The goal of the survey was to gain a broad understanding of their operations, the characteristics of the populations they serve and their satisfaction with the services they receive from Leket. The survey focused on the impact of the war on vulnerable populations and examined the needs of the NPOs and food donors, with an emphasis on unique groups such as Holocaust survivors and refugees.
The findings reveal that women make up a particularly high percentage of recipients, accounting for 54.77% of all recipients, with the center of the country hosting the largest share of beneficiaries (approximately 39%). Additionally, the largest demographic group among those helped is adults 31-60 (41.84%), followed by children and youth. Another important finding from the survey highlights an increase in assistance for large families and single-parent households, underscoring the growing demand for tailored solutions for these populations.
The survey results provide an important foundation to continue improving and refining Leket’s operations to meet the needs of all recipient populations effectively. This year, more than ever, your support for Leket’s work is critical. Thanks to the donations from our contributors, Leket can respond to the evolving needs of diverse populations across the country and reach those who need it most. Your continued partnership enables Leket to increase its assistance and ensure that Leket Israel remains a vital and dependable resource for the communities served.
Healthy Nutrition for At Risk Populations
In 2024, Leket continued to support evacuated families with a special emphasis on providing nutritional assistance tailored to their unique needs. As part of these efforts, Leket highlighted the importance of healthy and balanced nutrition for food recipients, a core value at the heart of its mission.
One of the most impactful projects was a stand offering fresh agricultural produce in hotel lobbies where evacuees are staying. The stand provides a steady supply of fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure easy access to healthy food throughout the day. The produce, which is often lacking in their diets, is readily available for their benefit with the stock replenished weekly, to ensure ongoing support.
Leket Briut – Nutrition Education for a healthy future
The Leket Briut – Nutrition Education program, which launched in 2022, is an inspiring initiative aimed at improving the dietary habits and enhancing the quality of life for low socio-economic populations, by providing access to healthy food in schools and at home. The program combines educational activities with nutrition, enabling underserved populations to enjoy quality, nutritious food that would otherwise be out of their reach. In 2024, the Leket Briut – Nutrition Education program expanded its reach to 7 schools, with plans to include an additional 10 schools in 2025.
The program creates a dual impact: providing long-term nutrition education while offering tangible support to families in need, fostering a meaningful change in their eating habits. It delivers engaging educational content for students, encouraging them to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into their daily lives. Additionally, the families receive packages of fresh agricultural produce, rescued from farmers, every two weeks.
Oleg Menker, a parent of a participating student share: “The Leket Briut – Nutrition Education program is simply amazing. The kids, parents and school truly feel like one big family. My daughter calls me and says ‘Dad, the boxes have arrived! Don’t forget to pick them up!’. In these beautiful boxes, we receive high-quality, nutritious food. Our family is large and recently we’ve felt that we can’t always afford quality items. The Leket Briut – Nutrition Education program gives us something that warms our hearts. Thank you so much!”
Supporting Israeli Agriculture - Extending a Helping Hand to Farmers
The impact that farmers and Israeli agriculture have suffered due to the war is severe. Many farmers have been relocated from their fields, some have limited access to them, others have directly suffered damage to their crops and equipment. Additionally, many farmers lack labor for harvesting and other agricultural tasks, and there is not enough produce to sell.
To address these challenges and provide positive support to the farmer partners, Leket has established a comprehensive support framework for farmers, including:
- Providing immediate financial aid of NIS 5,000 ($1,385) to 889 farming families.
- Creating a network of 25,000+ volunteers who have been sent to assist with harvesting in the fields of 500 farmers.
- Purchasing approximately 5,000 tons of diverse agricultural produce.
- Provision of grants, through a fund to support farmers, established by Leket Israel in collaboration with Strauss Group.
- Development of loan programs for farmers, approved according to a special criterion by an external committee.
The decrease in agricultural production in the southern and northern border regions has limited the availability of surplus produce reaching Leket Israel. Through the framework Leket has created, Leket is supporting the farmers and will continue to ensure a supply of nutritious fruit and vegetables for those in need.
“A week ago, we requested assistance with harvesting persimmons near Beit Hillel. My father was almost desperate and wanted to give up on the harvest. Leket Israel sent us 170 volunteers who managed to harvest 40 tons in just 4 days. It’s hard to express the excitement in words. Thank you for the support!”
– Michal Cohen, daughter of a farmer from Metula
Dry Food Packages
At the outbreak of the war, Leket initiated the purchase of dry food products from suppliers in the south. The goal was to immediately provide packages of essential basic food products to families and residents in conflict areas and to those displaced from their homes. The products were mainly sourced from businesses and stores in the conflict areas, providing economic support to local suppliers. From October to December, Leket distributed 32,400 packages to those in need.
“My elderly grandmother, who lives in Ofakim, is traumatized and unable to return to her home due to the destruction and killing of dozens of Ofakim residents. Besides the emotional trauma, she urgently needed food, and I had no idea how to bring it to her safely. I turned to Leket Israel, and within 24 hours, a box full of goodness arrived at her doorstep, including fresh fruit and vegetables, and dry food products. I want to express my gratitude to Leket Israel for the prompt assistance and support during these challenging days”
– Maya, granddaughter of an elderly woman from Ofakim
Assistance with Vouchers/Debit Cards for Families
In the early days of the war, Leket provided financial assistance for families affected by the war with vouchers/debit cards. This program was designed to help those whose income has been impacted or who did not have access to their regular sources of support. From October to December, Leket distributed 11,574 vouchers in various amounts tailored to the needs of the recipients.
“I wanted to express my gratitude again for the crucial work. Seeing mothers crying tears of joy when they received the prepaid card and hearing that the empty refrigerator at home is simply warming the heart”
– Shari Winterov, Manager of the Youth Promotion Unit/Hila, Kiryat Yam
Additional Heartwarming Initiatives
Launched in 2023
Leket Israel Makes History
This year, Leket achieved an historic milestone in the field of food rescue and the fight against food insecurity in Israel – a groundbreaking amendment to the 2018 Food Donation Act. This amendment will mandate public entities and government institutions to donate their surplus food to aid organizations which will then distribute it to underserved populations. The amendment not only acknowledges the economic and social value of food rescue but also offers a smart and cost-effective solution for all parties involved. The State will be able to significantly reduce welfare and healthcare expense, while public entities will streamline their resource management and minimize food waste. At the same time, thousands of families will gain access to high-quality nutritious food, thereby improving their quality of life.
This is the first law of its kind globally, a social, economic and environmental breakthrough! It represents a real step forward, set to impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of families facing food insecurity. Moreover, it reflects a sense of justice: food funding by the public will ultimately benefit the public.
Sixth Annual Leket Live Mission
Despite the challenging and painful year, Leket was pleased to once again host the sixth annual Leket Live mission, with the theme of the war and the support for farmers and supporting the communities in the south. The mission included donors from Israel and abroad, representatives from partner federations, members of the board of directors and senior management. They had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into Leket’s impactful work and experience the meaningful initiatives on the ground.
The day began with a moving ceremony at the site of the Nova Music Fesitval in Re’im, where memorial candles were lit in memory of the victims. From there, they continued to Moshav Pri Gan where they met Yossi Naim, a farmer who has been donating agricultural produce to Leket for many years. Yossi shared his experiences from October 7, the challenges faced by Israeli farmers and the critical support he received from Leket Israel.
Throughout the day they heard from volunteers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and more, who traveled to Israel to specifically assist the farmers. They visited Ashkelom and met with Mayor Tomer Glam, who spoke about the important partnership with Leket Israel in supporting evacuees and vulnerable residents as well as the state of the city in the aftermath of the war. The day concluded with a visit to Matan BeSeter, an NPO partner in Ashkelon who receives fresh fruit and vegetables from Leket Isreal every week and distributes the food to 620 families throughout the city. The mission underscored the strength of partnership, solidarity and shared commitment to easing the burdens of those in need while supporting farmers and communities affected by the crisis.
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