Leket Israel

Leket Israel: Pioneers in Food Rescue

The Genesis of a Vision

In the heart of Israel lies an organization that redefines the approach to food security and waste. Leket Israel, the National Food Bank, stands as a beacon of hope and efficiency in food rescue. It began as an ambitious idea in the mind of Joseph Gitler, a New York immigrant to Israel in 2000. Witnessing the unsettling statistics of poverty in Israel, especially among those employed yet impoverished, Gitler was moved to action. In 2003, he established Table to Table, the predecessor to Leket Israel, with a mission to salvage nutritious surplus food and address the persistent issue of food insecurity.

A Unique Approach to Food Rescue

What sets Leket Israel apart is its singular focus on rescuing healthy, surplus food. This operation is not just about feeding the hungry; it’s about doing so with dignity and health in mind. The organization meticulously harvests surplus agricultural produce and collects cooked meals. These items undergo careful sorting and distribution, reaching the needy across the nation. A key element in Leket Israel’s strategy is their adherence to the highest food safety regulations, ensuring that only 100% nutritious food reaches those in need.

Empowering Through Nutrition

Beyond food distribution, Leket Israel empowers through education. A team of professional dieticians leads nutrition workshops aimed at targeted populations. These sessions are more than mere lectures; they are interactive experiences designed to raise awareness about proper nutrition, creating a ripple effect that transcends immediate food relief.

Leket Israel By the Numbers

The numbers behind Leket Israel paint a picture of its impact and reach. As of 2022, the organization boasts 136 employees and an impressive volunteer force of 54,000. Its logistical capabilities include a storage area of about 6,000 square meters, a cooling capacity of 10,000 cubic meters, and a fleet of 67 dedicated vehicles. Most notably, Leket Israel has managed to distribute 61,442 tons of food through 265 nonprofit organizations, touching the lives of 234,000 Israelis weekly.

Vision and Mission: A Future of Food Security

Leket Israel envisions a future where all surplus, nutritious food in Israel is rescued and redirected to those in need. This vision is supported by a robust mission to lead in the safe, efficient, and effective collection and distribution of surplus nutritious food. It’s a mission that goes beyond mere charity; it’s about sustainability, dignity, and community empowerment.

Engaging with Leket Israel

Leket Israel encourages public involvement through various means. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, there are numerous ways for individuals to contribute to this noble cause. The organization’s presence is not just national but digital as well, with a call to subscribe to their newsletters and updates, further engaging the global community in their mission.

In Summary

Leket Israel exemplifies how targeted, thoughtful approaches to social issues can create significant, lasting impacts. Through its innovative food rescue operations, educational initiatives, and vast network of support, it stands as a model of efficiency and compassion in the fight against food insecurity. As this organization continues to grow and evolve, its story remains a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and community in making a real difference in the world.

• Website

   

• Address: HaSadna St 11, Ra’anana

   

• Email: info@leket.org

   

• Phone: 09-744-1757

   

• Fax: 09-7405785

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