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History of Leket Israel
Table to Table is Born
Joseph Gitler started rescuing meals from catering halls and corporate cafeterias out of his Subaru car. The meals were stored in refrigerators lining his driveway before delivery to local nonprofit organizations serving the needy.
The First Warehouse
An old chicken coop was converted into Leket’s first warehouse. The open space contained 5 standard sized refrigerators.
Renovations of the First Warehouse
Leket Israel’s first warehouse underwent renovations to meet the increased need for food storage. Two small refrigerated rooms were built alongside the office and the courtyard working space- totaling 35m².
Leket Israel’s Trucks
Large trucks are acquired, some containing refrigerated boxes, for delivery of food directly to nonprofit organizations.
A Northern Warehouse
Leket Israel begins operations at an additional warehouse located in Nesher to serve its nonprofit partners in Northern Israel.
The First Forklift
To ease the ever increasing amount of food donations received, Leket Israel purchased its first forklift.
The Main Logistics Center, Ra’anana
The organization moved from the chicken coop to a warehouse space in Ra’anana’s Industrial Zone: a 700m hanger with 2 refrigerated containers. .
Logistics Center Renovations
The warehouse was renovated with the addition of a 100m² refrigerated room.
The First Sorting Machine
Leket acquired its first sorting machine to cut work time in half and increase efficiency.
A Fire at Leket Israel’s Main Logistics Center
An electrical fire destroyed Leket Israel’s main Logistics Center in Ra’anana.
A Temporary Warehouse
Leket moved to a temporary warehouse space in Ramot HaShavim. Work continued uninterrupted thanks to Leket staff and volunteers.
Began Hot Meal Collection from IDF Bases and Hotels
We expanded our meal collection program to rescue meals from IDF bases and hotels in the south of the country. The meal collection program continues to grow each year.
A New & Improved Logistics Center
Renovations post fire of Leket Israel’s Logistics Center boasts increased storage and working space and a safer work environment for Leket’s employees and volunteers.
First Food Waste and Rescue in Israel Report is Published
The first Food Waste and Rescue in Israel Report was published, now released annually. The report, initiated by Leket Israel and prepared with the collaboration of BDO Consulting Israel triggers governmental debates, leads to media publicity and serves as the basis for different discussions on food rescue and food waste.
Legislation of the “Food Donation Act”
The law removes both civil and criminal liability to everyone along the food supply chain enabling even more people to donate food to those in need. Leket began the process of pushing this law forward in 2008 and worked with Knesset members to ensure its survival.
Assisting those in need throughout the Covid-19 Crisis
Leket helped a large number of vulnerable people throughout the crisis. The biggest challenge was dealing with the closure of our main surplus food donors.
Moved to a new and bigger Logistics Center
We have moved to a new Logistics Center in Gan Haim.
Soup Distribution to People in Need
Production of a variety of high-quality soups made from surplus agricultural produce, distributed to people in need, primarily the elderly.
The soups are delivered frozen and serve as a healthy, nutritious base for a complete meal.
Launch of the “Leket Briut – Nutrition Education” Program in Schools
Aimed at improving eating habits and enhancing the quality of life among populations from low socio-economic backgrounds, the program teaches and promotes access to healthy food in both schools and homes.
Leket for Israel
Following the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War in October, Leket shifted to emergency mode to support residents of the South, evacuees, farmers, nonprofits, and others in need.
Efforts included volunteer support for farmers, food distribution, grocery vouchers, and financial aid for farmers.
Amendment to the Food Donation Act Passed in the Knesset
An important amendment to the 2018 Food Donation Act was passed, requiring public bodies and government institutions to donate their surplus food to aid organizations for distribution to vulnerable populations.
This landmark legislation is the first of its kind in the world, representing social justice by returning publicly funded food—back to the public.
The 10th Anniversary Food Waste and Food Rescue Report
We are proud to release the Food Waste and Rescue Report for the tenth consecutive year, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the scale of food waste and the potential for food rescue.
The 10th Anniversary Report summarizes ten years of research and action and marks a significant milestone in shaping policy and driving change in the fields of food rescue and food security.
