From Harvest to Hope: A Lasting Partnership with Momentum

Over the years, hundreds of Jewish mothers from around the world have volunteered with Leket Israel, the National Food Bank, through a partnership with Momentum. What begins as a visit to Israel often becomes something far deeper, a personal and lasting connection to the land and its people.

Momentum is an international movement that empowers Jewish mothers through transformative trips to Israel and meaningful Jewish learning. A powerful part of many of these journeys is volunteering with Leket Israel. Whether gleaning in the fields or packing rescued food at our Logistics Center, these women step into Israel’s story not as observers, but as active participants.

In the fields, they harvest fruit and vegetables that will be delivered to families facing food insecurity. At the Logistics Center, they sort and pack nutritious food for distribution through our nonprofit partners. Each box packed and each crate harvested represents more than food. It reflects care, responsibility, and solidarity.

During the war, that connection felt even more urgent. Many Momentum participants are mothers of soldiers or have loved ones serving in Israel. From afar, the worry can feel overwhelming. Volunteering with Leket Israel offered something tangible, a way to channel concern into action and to stand with Israel in a practical, meaningful way.

As one participant shared, “Getting my hands in the soil of Israel changed me. Knowing that what we harvested would go straight to families who need it made me feel truly connected.”

For many volunteers, the experience extends beyond a single day of giving back. Farmers across Israel open their fields to Leket Israel, ensuring that surplus produce does not go to waste but instead reaches families facing food insecurity. Volunteers become part of that chain of generosity, supporting both Israeli agriculture and vulnerable communities. The act of harvesting fruit or preparing food for distribution creates a powerful sense of purpose and connection that stays with participants long after they return home.

As Michelle Mayer, Volunteer and Donor Engagement Coordinator at Leket Israel, explains, “Volunteering is one of the most direct ways to make an impact. In just a few hours, you can help provide thousands of meals and truly feel the difference you’re making.” She adds, “People come for a meaningful activity, but they leave feeling connected to something much bigger than themselves.”