Leket Israel

6/17/2013 10:08:00 AM

Leket Israel addresses conference on ...

Leket Israel recently addressed a conference targeting solutions to the issue of waste in Israel. Staff highlighted its meal rescue activities and the opportunities available to expand food rescue with the cooperation of the public and the corporate sectors. In 2013 Leket Israel will rescue and distribute 1 million meals, 120,000 bread loaves, 25 million lbs of produce and perishable goods, an...

3/20/2013 10:31:00 AM

Beth Tikvah Supports Leket Israel

Beth Tikvah congregation of Richmond, BC Canada, is raising awareness about food rescue this Passsover. An annoucement in the congregation's ChaiLights newsletter reads: This Passover, please consider a donation for Food Rescue. A $1 donation to Leket Israel (Israel's National Food Bank) provides 10 needy Israelis with a pound of fresh produce.

3/12/2013 11:06:00 AM

VIDEO: Leket Israel Announces Contest...

We have a winner! Congratulations to Tali Hoffman for receiving the most votes on her creative video contest entry during Leket Israel's ''Making Noise for Food Rescue'' competition that took place on our Facebook page from February to mid-March in honor of Purim. Thanks again to all our participants for their creativity in helping us get the word out about food rescue.

2/24/2013 10:57:00 PM

Birmingham Jewish Foundation

The Birmingham Jewish Federation recently held its first Israel-World Jewry Bureau allocations meeting for 2013. The allocations committee comes together to decide which organizations in Israel and elsewhere overseas will receive funding from The BJF Annual Campaign. Leket Israel is a beneficiary of Birmingham Jewish Foundation's Israel-World Jewry Bureau.

6/9/2013 5:01:00 PM

US Ambassador Daniel Shapiro hosts ev...

Over 100 supporters attended a Friends of Leket Israel event in the home of US Ambassador to Israel, Honorable Daniel B. Shapiro. ''Leket Israel works to rescue fresh food and deliver it to tens of thousands of needy Israelis each week. Not only are their initiatives supplying healthy food to those in need but, at the same time they are helping the environment by preventing tons of unnecessary ...

5/31/2013 5:24:00 PM

Giving Ideas: Jewish Community Founda...

''As we approach the holiday season, we are especially mindful of those who struggle to meet their basic needs and do not have access to nutritious food,'' so says the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego. ''In San Diego, one in five adults face hunger each day [while] in Israel, a full quarter of citizens live below the poverty line including many children. Below please find some ideas (in...

2/21/2013 12:11:00 AM

PHOTOS: Shear Family and the Natan F...

Congratulations to our dear friends Herb & Barbara, John & Judith, and Gerry Shear upon receiving Leket Israel's Leadership Award at its first US Gala event. We would also like to congratulate the Natan Fund, bestowed with the organization's Young Visionary Award. A sincere thank you to our US office and US Board of Directors, and to all our supporters & volunteers who helped contribute to a sp...

2/19/2013 2:08:00 PM

''A Night at the Warehouse'' USA Gala

“A Night at the Warehouse” was the theme of Leket Israel's first US Gala dinner event which took place on Saturday night, February 9, 2013 at the Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City. The event was dedicated to raising awareness and funding for Leket Israel’s food rescue programs and honored longtime supporters including the Shear Family of Pittsburgh and the Natan Fund.

5/23/2013 12:57:00 AM

jdeal Offer: Help Leket Israel

Sometimes we can take the things we have for granted, particularly the food that is always available when we're hungry. Unfortunately there are some people who are not as lucky and often go without a meal. You can help the needy in Israel and make sure that, through Leket, they always have something on the table. You can donate $9, $18, $36 or $54 to this worthy cause. Donate through jdeal and...

5/14/2013 1:03:00 PM

Happy Shavuot from Leket Israel

Wishing all our volunteers, friends and supporters a joyous Shavuot. Serving as Israel's National Food Bank and largest food rescue network, Leket Israel is working every day to help individuals in need. Through our gleaning, food rescue, capacity building, food safety, and nutrition education programs, we are making a difference in the lives of 140,000 needy Israelis every week.

4/29/2013 1:19:00 PM

Food Waste: Turning an Environmental ...

April 2013 - Leket Israel, a member of the Global Foodbanking Network (GFN), was recently featured in online article on GFN's website. The article highlighted model programs around the world that are turning an environmental problem--namely food waste, into a humanitarian solution to help combat world hunger.

4/28/2013 5:19:00 PM

Leket Israel Awarded $4,700 from JCYF...

Leket Israel was recently presented with a check for $4,700 from the Jewish Community Youth Foundation's (JCYF) Teen Philanthropists. The check, one of the largest presented during a special ceremony, was accepted by American Friends of Leket Israel's Lauren Yoked, Associate Director of Development. Six hundred people gathered to witness 29 local, national and Israeli charitable organizations ...

4/18/2013 11:57:00 AM

Happy Earth Day from Leket Israel

April 22, 2013 - Happy Earth Day to All! To mark the day, join Israel’s nationwide initiative to protect the environment by preventing hundreds of thousands of tons of food waste from occupying landfills. Join Leket Israel employees and 40,000+ volunteers in food rescue. Be good to the environment.

4/6/2013 10:25:00 PM

LYA Students Volunteer with Leket Israel

On their recent trip to Israel, LYA students volunteered with Leket Israel, Israel's National Food Bank--picking 400 kilos of oranges in a single afternoon. According to chaperone Rochel Leah Kosofsky, ''At LYA we teach the students that we are leaders who give back to our community. It was a great feeling to know that we had helped people in Israel.”

3/4/2013 9:54:00 PM

VIDEO: Harlem Shake for Food Rescue -...

Join Leket Israel’s ''Making Noise for Food Rescue'' Video Contest on Facebook for a chance to win 2 round-trip tickets to Israel/Europe! To get inspired, check out this ''Harlem Shake'' clip made by a few of Leket Israel's employees. Visit Leket Israel's Facebook page to enter and/or to vote for the best of the entries. Get those cameras rolling and may the best video win. GOOD LUCK!

2/24/2013 11:30:00 PM

Best Friends With Broccoli

''I pulled out my first turnip, marveling at how easily it parted from the rich soil. Then I pulled out my second turnip, and was shocked by the size and magnificence of its deep purple hues...The sun soon warmed my back and brightened the green fields. I plodded on, working my row meticulously, pouring full baskets of turnips into a large dumpster, then watching a tractor cart our turnips away...

2/19/2013 12:24:00 AM

VIDEOS: Making Noise for Food Rescue

Join Leket Israel’s Facebook Video Contest for a chance to win 2 round-trip tickets to Israel or Europe! To get inspired to make your own video, check out this clip by Leket Israel employees showing how they make noise for food rescue. Get those cameras rolling and may the best video win. GOOD LUCK

2/5/2013 10:55:00 PM

Leket Israel Feeding Israel’s Poor

JEWISH IMAGE - Jan. 2013. “We all waste, but we hate it and we feel guilty about it,” says Joseph Gitler, Founder of Leket Israel. ''Leket’s goal is not to address the root causes of Israeli poverty but to relieve some of the financial burden on the working poor.'' Nearly one in four Israelis lives below the poverty line, but Gitler says that the numbers, however large, do not discourage him. '...

2/3/2013 6:04:00 PM

Purim Video Contest on Facebook

Make some noise for food rescue this Purim! Show us how creative you can be by uploading a video clip to Leket Israel's Facebook page representing the theme: Making Noise for Food Rescue. Share the clip with your friends and family and encourage them to vote for it. The clip receiving the most votes (likes) will win two tickets to a European capital or Israel. Second prize includes a weeken...

1/23/2013 12:54:00 PM

Cooking Outside the Box: Food Rescue...

COOKING OUTSIDE THE BOX blog offers a food waste primer according to Jewish law and then features the work of Leket Israel in combating food waste. ''Unlike other food banks and charities, [Leket Israel] provides nutritional food like fresh produce (not canned and packaged foods) and it helps other businesses fulfill the mitzvah of avoiding food waste. Win-win! Leket Israel also has some new pr...

1/17/2013 8:53:00 PM

Beets, Bullets, and Jerusalem

''We ...make our way to the Kvutzat Shiller farm, where we meet Karen, who tells us a bit about a program started by Joseph Gitler, called Leket Israel.'' The organization was established to rescue left over food and redistribute it to the needy, reports blogger Stefanie Singer. ''We spent an hour pulling up beets in the sun, enjoying the effort of rolling up our sleeves and getting our hands...

1/17/2013 1:52:00 PM

''Corporate Social Change'' Award gra...

As a company that has set corporate responsibility as part of its visionary goals and is working through various channels to help and contribute to the community, we are pleased to share with you the news that an ''Inspiring Corporate Social Change'' Award was granted to Strauss Group by Leket Israel at its annual Gala dinner this week. Over the past year, the Strauss Group donated food worth ...

1/17/2013 10:12:00 AM

Leket Israel Gala on JPost's Grapevine

JERUSALEM POST - Jan. 15, 2013. US AMBASSADOR Dan Shapiro and his wife, Julie Fischer, were among some 600 guests from a broad spectrum of Israeli society at the Leket Israel annual gala dinner last Saturday night at Eden Al-Hamayim on Kibbutz Nir Eliyahu. All had come out to support Leket Israel’s mission to reduce nutritional insecurity. Leket does this by distributing excess food on a weekl...

1/9/2013 10:27:00 AM

Leket in the News with ''Pray with Is...

PRAY WITH ISRAEL - Jan. 6, 2013. An article about Leket Israel originally appearing on the JTA news agency's site, was recently featured on ''Pray with Israel's'' newsfeed. The site shares prayers, news, thoughts and insights about Israel, paving the way for Israel to be a positive part of people's lives.

1/7/2013 7:00:00 PM

PHOTOS: Ruth Rappaport Honored at Lek...

Six hundred guests attended Leket Israel's Annual Gala with the theme People Feeding People. The special evening was dedicated to raising awareness and funding for the organization's food rescue and distribution programs. Mrs. Ruth Rappaport was honored with our True Friend Award for her ongoing support and instrumental impact on Leket Israel's growth as the country's largest food rescue opera...

12/23/2012 10:48:00 AM

Calling caterers and rescuing carrots...

AZ JEWISH POST- Dec. 21, 2012. “We all waste, but we hate it and we feel guilty about it,” says Joseph Gitler, Founder of Leket Israel. ''Leket’s goal is not to address the root causes of Israeli poverty but to relieve some of the financial burden on the working poor.'' Nearly one in four Israelis lives below the poverty line, but Gitler says that the numbers, however large, do not discourage h...

12/20/2012 10:47:00 PM

Jewish Federation works with Leket Is...

ST LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT - Dec. 19, 2012. ''No family should go hungry,'' says Diane Katzman, who chairs the Caring for Jews in Need-Overseas subcommittee of the Jewish Federation of St Louis. Thanks to an ongoing partnership between the Federation and Leket Israel, among other activities, 100 Yokneam families receive fresh fruits and vegetables and other perishable goods delivered to them in wee...

12/17/2012 4:21:00 PM

US immigrant keeps Israel’s food out ...

THE TIMES OF ISRAEL - Dec. 17, 2012. Joseph Gitler, 38, is the founder of Leket Israel, an organization that salvages unsellable crops from farmers and unused food from caterers and ships them to soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other institutions that can use them — 200 groups in all. According to Leket’s research, Gitler says the organization is on pace to rescue one-fifth of the country...

12/16/2012 4:59:00 PM

AMIT and Leket Partner to Fight Hunger

Thanks to the cooperation of AMIT and Leket Israel, needy school children in the southern Israeli development towns of Kiryat Malachi and Sderot – two communities that recently suffered continuous rocket attacks – have been receiving nutritious sandwiches for lunch Sunday through Thursday during the school year. ''By doing something as simple as providing a small child with a healthy sandwich ...

12/12/2012 12:35:00 AM

Calling caterers and rescuing carrots...

JEWISH TELEGRAPHIC AGENCY - Dec. 9, 2012. JTA News Correspondent, Ben Sales, writes about his first hand exposure to the work of Leket Israel from a recent visit he made to its operations and planning center in Ra'anana. In his article, Sales explores what Leket Israel is doing to relieve some of the financial difficulties of everyday working families and those in need through the provision o...

12/11/2012 10:54:00 PM

Calling caterers and rescuing carrots...

ST LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT - Dec. 9, 2012. Leket Israel salvages unsellable crops from farmers and unused food from caterers and ships them to 200 soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other institutions that can use them. According to Leket's research, Founder, Jospeh Gitler says the organization is on pace to rescue one-fifth of the country's total wasted food this year, a total of 22 million pou...

11/26/2012 3:01:00 PM

Katif for Tikun Olam

TODAY'S ISRAEL - Fall 2012. According to Claudia Giat, Kehillat Netzach Programs Coordinator, growing awareness of nutritional poverty in Israel, prompted a group of adventurous adults and children from the Kehillat Netzach community to take part in Leket Israel's flagship project ''Gleaning the Land'', by volunteering this summer to pick vegetables for needy families. The group picked over 3 ...

11/21/2012 12:28:00 PM

Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in Israel

ISRAEL MINISTRY OF TOURISM - A bar/bat mitzvah is a ceremony marking a Jewish child’s passage into adulthood. But with adulthood comes responsibility for one’s surroundings and environment. Volunteering with Leket Israel will provide an unforgettable experience, and enable one to imbue their bar/bat mitzvah celebration with the traditional Jewish spirit of helping the needy and Zionist and soci...

11/7/2012 1:51:00 PM

Food security a problem as one-quarte...

NATIONAL POST - Nov. 6, 2012. In an article about food insecurity in Israel that has been widely picked up by media sources on the web, the Media Line's Linda Gradstein investigates the reason why a large proportion of working Israelis simply don’t have enough money for food. Many of the food insecure are minimum wage earners or part-time earners, or people who are partially disabled. As the ...

11/5/2012 1:01:00 PM

Warm Home, wholesome food

RASHI FOUNDATION - Newsletter. Leket Israel's certified dietician, Sigal Faran, offered a training workshop to the housemothers of southern shelters for teenage girls recently. The workshop began with an introduction to the principles of proper nutrition, with an emphasis on adolescents, and then included hands on food preparation with ''Healthy Chef'' Sagi Schwartz. The participants learned ...

11/4/2012 10:18:00 PM

Poverty and food insecurity in Israel

THE JERUSALEM POST - Nov. 4, 2012. Working families are struggling to make ends meet and many worry where their next meal is coming from. In Israel, signifcant levels of food insecurity and lack of substantial government assistance to address the problem, has spurred the formation of hundreds of food relief NGOs in recent years. As the National Food Bank and largest food rescue NGO, Leket Israe...

11/3/2012 8:01:00 PM

Mommy I'm Hungry: Poverty and Food In...

THE MEDIA LINE - Nov. 1, 2012. Israeli government statistics say that an estimated 1/4 of all Israeli citizens, including 837,000 children, are living in poverty. Half of these poor families have no wage earner. The JDC Brookdale Institute finds that the rate of poverty among families in Israel is the second highest of the OECD countries, and almost twice the OECD average. Working families sim...

10/28/2012 9:40:00 AM

One Family's Israeli Tzedakah Experience

A highlight of the Rappaport family's recent trip to Israel was picking tomatoes with Leket Israel. The volunteer experience was part of the Rappaport children's first trip to the country. According to the Rappaports, ''By the end of our two hour volunteering experience, we had picked 165 lbs of tomatoes that helped feed well over 30 families that week. It truly gave our daughters a connection ...

10/10/2012 10:14:00 AM

Alleviating Hunger in Israel

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles recently hosted an event with Paul Leiba, Director of Development for Leket Israel, the country's National Food Bank and largest food rescue network. Leket Israel is working to alleviate the problem of nutritional insecurity among the growing numbers of Israel's poor. Mr. Leiba shared his wisdom as to why so much produce goes to waste – when there ar...

9/24/2012 10:17:00 AM

From Mall to Meal

ESRA MAGAZINE - Israel's Community Forum - Issue No. 166. In a blog post entitled ''From Mall to Meal'', Pnina Moed Kass describes how she and her partner Rebecca Kimelman make their weekly rounds rescuing food from Herzliya's Seven Stars Mall. The pair has been volunteering on behalf of Leket Israel for almost a year, and according to Kass, the food vendors recognize them easily from their L...

8/23/2012 11:38:00 PM

An App That Helps The Needy

Leket Israel released its new iPhone and Android applications, which are available in both Hebrew and English. The new apps help the user find the closest food agency to donate any excess food from an event at a catering hall, an office party or a celebration at home. Leket Israel is the first nonprofit in Israel to design such an application.

8/23/2012 10:20:00 PM

Food Waste in US Reaches 40%; Is Isra...

ISRAEL NATIONAL NEWS, Arutz-7 - Aug. 23, 2012. Head of Leket Israel, Joseph Gitler, responds to a discomforting Washington Post report concerning the state of food waste in the US. Comparing the western world's tendency to waste, Gitler says that the situation in Israel isn’t much different. Gitler discusses the positive response to his organization but concludes at the end of the article th...

8/1/2012 10:38:00 PM

Leket - The Power of Giving

In addition to writing about the charitable work of Leket Israel on her blog, freelance writer Liza Rosenberg links the Haaretz article she wrote that resulted from her meeting with Joseph Gitler, President and Founder of the organization. The article appeared in a special Haaretz magazine supplement insert, entitled ''The Power of Giving''.

7/19/2012 10:13:00 PM

Hillel Day School 8th Graders Harvest...

An article reposted by the ''Jew in the D'' blog, highlights the great work of Hillel Day School 8th graders who harvested over 3,500 lbs of potatoes for the needy on a recent trip to Israel. The volunteer experience was part of an end of year trip, serving as a culmination to all they have studied and explored during their years at the Jewish Day School located in Farmingtion Hills, Michigan....

7/10/2012 12:28:00 PM

PM announces NIS 100m. food aid program

THE JERUSALEM POST - July 9, 2012. PM Netanyahu announced Monday the allocation of NIS 100m for a new food aid program, after a similar move 2 years ago was never funded. Leket Israel & Latet, Israel's 2 largest food aid agencies, in a joint statement told the J Post this step showed that the government is finally taking some responsibility to solve a problem that “until now has only been addre...

7/3/2012 3:56:00 PM

Food to the Rescue

In its July newsletter, learn how IsraelExperts collaborates with Leket Israel to rescue food. As a highly acclaimed tour operator, IsraelExperts involves its groups with vegetable picking through Leket Israel's innovative gleaning initiative. All of the produce picked by the tour groups go for immediate distribution to the needy. Throughout the years, IsraelExperts has incorporated Leket Israe...

6/28/2012 11:42:00 PM

The Idea That Feeds Millions

VIRTUAL JERUSALEM - June 27, 2012. In an exclusive article about Joseph Gitler and the organization he founded, VirtualJerusalem (VJ) interviewed Mr. Gitler to hear insights about Leket Israel's initiatives in helping the needy, their work within the Arab Israeli community and with African refugees, and to get the full story on how millions of people benefited from one man's idea.

6/26/2012 10:38:00 AM

Farmington Hills School Pitches in to...

Eighth graders from the Hillel Day School traveled to Israel recently as part of an end of year trip, serving as a culmination to all they have studied and explored during their years at the Jewish Day School located in Farmingtion Hills, Michigan. An important highlight of the trip included a visit with Leket Israel staff in a potato field where the students harvested 3,500 lbs of potatoes in ...

6/19/2012 9:40:00 PM

Repair Interview: Leket Israel’s Jose...

In an interview conducted by Repair the World blogger, Leah Koenig, Leket Israel's Founder and CEO, Joseph Gitler, describes his inspiration for starting Leket Israel and the amazing impact the organization has had on Israel's food insecure. In addition, Gitler shares a couple of stories of real life people and the positive impact Leket Israel has had on their lives.

6/14/2012 11:00:00 AM

Christians Help Israel's Poor by Prac...

NATIONAL CATHOTHIC REGISTER - June 13, 2012. Leket Israel began to reach out to Christian pilgrims 5 years ago, first because of their heartfelt desire to connect with the land and also because the majority of visitors to the Holyland are Christian. Leket Israel provides food to all sectors of Israeli society, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Volunteers, either as individuals or in groups, ...

6/10/2012 6:13:00 PM

''The Narrow Door'' blog features: L...

''This organization looks amazing,'' begins a blog post featuring Leket Israel -- Food Bank Program. ''The Narrow Door'' blog, written by blogger ''Gail'', continues: ''I applaud them for what they are doing with getting fresh produce to people and healthy food to poor school children.'' Read more about what ''The Narrow Door'' has to say about Leket Israel.

6/10/2012 5:00:00 PM

Hillel Day School Feeds the Hungry

Eighth graders from the Hillel Day School traveled to Israel recently as part of an end of year trip, serving as a culmination to all they have studied and explored during their years at the Jewish Day School located in Farmingtion Hills, Michigan. An important highlight of the trip included a visit with Leket Israel staff in a potato field where the students harvested 3,500 lbs of potatoes in ...

6/3/2012 4:05:00 PM

NBN & Leket Israel team up

NBN NEWS - June 2012. In the spirit of Shavuot, the ‘Harvest Festival’, Nefesh B'Nefesh joined up with Leket Israel, The National Food Bank, to pick vegetables for the needy. Seventy volunteers picked 800 kilos of beets, with the harvest going to feed approximately 200 families. Leket Israel thanks NBN and the olim for their great work and looks forward to welcoming them back again soon.

6/3/2012 10:38:00 AM

Leket Israel: closing the gap between...

THE JEWISH STAR - May 31, 2012. In an exclusive interview with Joseph Gitler, Founder and Chairman of Leket Israel, The Jewish Star's Malka Eisenberg writes about the country’s largest food bank and food rescue network. As part of Mr. Gitler's recent trip to NY, Gitler spoke at Beth Sholom and Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst to raise awareness and funds for Leket Israel, an organization t...

5/30/2012 10:28:00 AM

Federation-Supported Food Program Hel...

JEWISH IN ST LOUIS - May 2012. Leket Israel, the country's National Food Bank, is working very closely with Kol HaLev, a food pantry in Yokneam, St. Louis’ sister-city in Israel, to support the organization's food parcel distribution activities among needy families. Leket Israel receives a targeted donation from Jewish Federation of St. Louis as part of its strategic plan to assist vulnerable...

5/1/2012 2:27:00 PM

VIDEO: Bar and Bat Mitzvah Projects w...

Celebrating your child's bar or bat mitzvah in Israel? Learn how Leket Israel can involve your child and family group in a meaningful bnei mitzvah project via hands-on activities appropriate for all ages. What better a way to commemorate this special event than by volunteering to help the less fortunate in Israel.

4/16/2012 8:54:00 PM

Volunteer Tourism-Experience Israel H...

Tourists in Israel looking for another, hands on way to experience Israel and, at the same time, help feed Israel’s needy can now enjoy a great day out picking fruits and vegetables courtesy of Leket Israel. The free activity is available for groups of all ages, sizes and backgrounds, as part of Israel’s National Food Bank gleaning initiative to pick fresh produce for distribution to Israel’s ...

4/16/2012 3:18:00 PM

Israeli food bank chief boosts Tucson...

ARIZONA JEWISH POST - March 23, 2012. The Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona and the America-Israel Friendship League recently hosted Joseph Gitler, founder and director of Leket Israel, the National Food Bank of Israel. Gitler was invited to visit Tucson because of Leket’s long association with both organizations; through its grants process, JCF has provided funding to Leket Isra...

3/6/2012 2:46:00 PM

Exclusive Interview: Arizona Jewish C...

MORNING BLEND - Feb. 27, 2012. Leket Israel Chairman Joseph Gitler joins Anne Hameroff of the Jewish Community Foundation and Jamie Gan of the America Israel Friendship League in an exclusive TV interview to discuss Leket Israel's partnership and collaboration with the Arizona Jewish community. Mr. Gitler was in Tucson, Arizona for 2 days to share insights on Leket Israel's experience in food...

4/16/2012 4:54:00 PM

Huduyou website donates to Leket Israel

A new Israeli company -whose website, ''huduyou,'' allows users to find local service providers recommended by their Facebook friends and neighbors recently announced that it will donate $1 to Leket Israel each time a new user joins the website and $3 each time either an existing or new huduyou user writes a service provider review. Although the promotion has expired, Leket Israel thanks Yoav ...

3/1/2012 2:45:00 PM

2011 Annual Report

Leket Israel increased its food rescue activity by 75% in 2011, received the support of 40,000 volunteers, and established, in cooperation with farmers in northern Israel, an initiative that grows vegetables specifically for the needy. In addition, Leket Israel (a) received the President’s Citation for Volunteerism, (b) was recognized as Israel’s representative of the Global Foodbanking Network...

2/15/2012 9:16:00 PM

Jewish Toronto Leaders Honoured in Is...

UJA FEDERATION of GREATER TORONTO - Feb. 8, 2012. Henry & Julia Koschitzky, two of Jewish Toronto’s most prominent and generous philanthropists & community leaders were honoured in Israel recently at Leket Israel's 2nd Annual Gala Dinner, held on Kibbutz Nir Eliyahu. The evening, ''From the Field to the Plate – The Right of All to Healthy Food'' attracted 700 supporters and was dedicated to rai...

2/8/2012 11:55:00 PM

New iPhone and Android Apps Released ...

NEW YORK JEWISH WEEK - Feb. 8, 2012. Today, Leket Israel released its new iPhone and Android applications, which are available in both Hebrew and English. The new apps help the user find the closest food agency to donate any excess food from an event at a catering hall, an office party or a celebration at home. Leket Israel is the first nonprofit in Israel to design such an application.

2/16/2012 10:00:00 AM

Community Impact: Women's Endowment F...

JEWISH FED. OF GREATER SEATTLE - Feb. 15, 2012. Leket Israel's Nutrition for Life: Empowering Mothers Project recently received funding from the Women's Endowment of the Seattle Federation. The project offers workshops & training to at-risk single mothers to the benefits of healthy eating habits and proper nutrition on a limited budget--working to empower young mothers to serve as living exampl...

2/12/2012 12:21:00 PM

Leket Israel App makes donating easy

ISRAEL 21c - Innovation News Service - February 9, 2012. Leket Israel's new Iphone and Android applications makes donating food to the needy super easy by letting the user know where the closest food agency is located. Leket Israel, The National Food Bank and largest food rescue network is the first nonprofit in Israel to design such an App.

2/12/2012 11:48:00 AM

Jewish Toronto Leaders Honoured in Is...

SHALOM LIFE - Feb, 8, 2012. Henry and Julia Koschitzky, two of Jewish Toronto’s most prominent and generous philanthropists and community leaders were honoured in Israel recently at Leket Israel's 2nd Annual Gala Dinner, held on Kibbutz Nir Eliyahu. The evening, ''From the Field to the Plate – The Right of All to Healthy Food'' attracted 700 supporters and was dedicated to raising awareness an...

1/18/2012 10:31:00 AM

Grapevine: The Polish Connection

JERUSALEM POST - Jan. 17, 2012. In a feature article, Greer Fay Cashman writes about the ''Polish Connection'' (so to speak) of those who make their mark in Israel--coming from his or her expatriate community to serve as ambassadors for good in their new homes in Israel. Leket Israel is highlighted as one of the organization's and projects started from scratch by one of those ambassadors, Jos...

12/15/2011 9:32:00 PM

Weil Charitable Giving Initiative Rai...

NEW YORK LAW JOURNAL (LAW.COM) - Nov. 25, 2011. A charitable giving project entitled ''Pay It Forward'' sponsored by the Law Firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges' New York office raised nearly $175K for 30 local and int'l charities. Weil Associate, Yossie Horowitz led the employee group that raised the most money for a single charity - $32K for Leket Israel, Israel's National Food Bank.

11/20/2011 9:32:00 AM

Touring Israel's Food Landscape

THE JEW & THE CARROT - Nov. 16, 2011. In a blog post by Avigail Hurvitz-Prinz, Avigail details her experience last week as a participant on the Israel Sustainable Food Tour, sponsored by Hazon and the Heschel Center for Environmental Learning and Leadership. A destination on the itinerary included Leket Israel, where participants gleaned clementines and learned about the links between poverty...

11/9/2011 9:39:00 AM

Staving off Hunger - Repairing the World

YU ALUMNI NEWS - Nov. 9, 2011. In a personal interview, Joseph Gitler describes his journey to Israel after finishing his law degree and offers details of his creation of Leket Israel - now the country's national food bank and largest food rescue organization established in an amazing 8 year's time.

10/27/2011 8:36:00 PM

Leket Israel Co-hosts Hockey Tourname...

The Israel Recreational Hockey Association in partnership with Leket Israel is hosting its annual recreational ice hockey tournament at the amazing Canada Center in Metulla, Israel Monday February 6 - 10. Proceeds from the event will go to support the charitable activities of Leket Israel, Israel's National Food Bank. Donations can also be made on the Tournament event page at: http://bsimchas....

10/24/2011 3:21:00 PM

Goldman Sachs Gives supports Leket Is...

PRESS RELEASE - Leket Israel, Israel’s National Food Bank, launched on October 16 (World Food Day 2011) a new agricultural farming Initiative supported by a $1.1 million grant awarded by Goldman Sachs Gives. The new program will allow Leket Israel to plant, grow and harvest their own fields to supplement rescued food and to better serve the 60,000 needy Israelis that the organization supports o...

10/5/2011 10:51:00 PM

Wine Club Event Draws 50 Members

New York, NY - September 21st, 2011. Leket Israel Wine Club Event in NY City's Tribeca neighborhood draws 50 supporters and wine club members. While guests were enjoying dinner and drinking exquisite Israeli wines, Joseph Gitler, Founder and Chairman of Leket Israel, spoke about the hunger and poverty issues in Israel, as well as how Leket Israel and its programs are helping alleviate Israel’...

9/13/2011 11:50:00 PM

E-News - Fall 2011

On behalf of the staff and its dedicated network of thousands of volunteers, Leket Israel wishes you a Shana Tova and a joyous holiday season. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us rescue and deliver over 200 tons of food every week to Israel's needy. Together we are preventing waste, protecting the environment, and putting a crucial source of nutrition on the plates of thos...

9/9/2011 2:51:00 PM

Sustainable tour will hit the ground ...

THE JEWISH DAILY FORWARD (The Jew & the Carrot) - Sept 7, 2011. In a blog post by Dr. Jeremy Benstein, Mr. Benstein discusses the upcoming Israel Sustainable Food Tour including the tour's first stop where participants will hit the ground ''picking'' with Leket Israel.

7/24/2011 2:14:00 PM

Global Foodbanking Network congratula...

GLOBAL FOODBANKING NETWORK (GFN) - JULY 2011. In a recent article posted to the GFN website, Leket Israel (a GFN member) was congratulated for receiving the 2011 Presidential Citation for Volunteerism. GFN is an international organization dedicated to creating and strengthening food banks and national food bank networks and to alleviating world hunger.

7/18/2011 1:59:00 PM

Be Good to the Environment: Reduce Fo...

The environmental impact of food waste is rarely acknowledged. While we won't ever completely eliminate food waste, Leket Israel is making a real dent in the problem through the rescue and redelivery of over 200 tons of excess food every week. Food rescue provides concerned citizens with an opportunity to make a real and significant difference for the environment. Support Leket Israel and help...

7/16/2011 11:32:00 PM

Leket Israel ensures food never goes ...

YNET NEWS.COM ACTIVISM - AUG. 6, 2010. Founded in 2003, 'National Food Bank' seeks to liberate excess nutritious food that for variety of reasons would have been thrown out by delivering it to non-profit organizations who serve Israel’s poor.

7/16/2011 11:11:00 PM

How Israel can feed more people witho...

THE JEWISH CHRONICLE - May 2011. In an exclusive interview conducted by Lee Chottiner of the Jewish Chronicle, Leket Israel's CEO, Gidi Kroch, discusses how the Israeli government can better address the nutritional needs of Israel's impoverished.

7/13/2011 11:40:00 AM

Leket Israel Becomes Newest Member of...

Leket Israel recently became a certified member of the Global Foodbanking Network (GFN), a global nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and strengthening food banks and food bank networks across the world.

6/23/2011 7:04:00 PM

Tie Dying Chesed Project Benefits Lek...

The chesed club and the art department of the SAR (Salanter Akiba Riverdale) Academy recently organized a fundraising event to benefit Leket Israel. Special t-shirts were designed by senior Peter Lewis that displayed the SAR & Leket Israel logos. T-shirts were sold for $10 and students also had the opportunity to tie-dye the t-shirts.

6/23/2011 6:06:00 PM

Oberlander's Volunteer with Leket

Michael Oberlander, VP of Planning & Allocations of the St Louis Jewish Federation Board, writes a glowing account of his family's recent experience gleaning with Leket Israel. In his blog, Michael relates the mitzvah of leket to the Book of Ruth. He and his family were grateful to be able to ''work the land'' and do their part to help feed the hungry of Israel.

7/13/2011 1:03:00 AM

Miami Taglit-Birthright Israel Partic...

A young group of volunteers from the Miami Community Taglit-Birthright Israel trip teamed up with Project Leket to collect onions that will be delivered to nonprofit organizations serving Israel's impoverished.

6/21/2011 4:10:00 PM

Mollie's Bat Mitzvah Chesed Project

Thiry-five Bat Mitzvah aged girls recently gathered at the home of Mollie in Englewood, NJ to celebrate Mollie's Bat Mitzvah and to participate in a unique personalized ''chesed'' project supporting the important work of Leket Israel.

6/15/2011 2:47:00 PM

From Farm to Table

THE JEW & THE CARROT - March 22, 2011. Ilana Krakowski reports how Leket Israel contributes to the idea of ''sustainable farming'' by redirecting crops that would otherwise be wasted to the tables of those in need.

5/30/2011 10:22:00 PM

I SHOP FOR ISRAEL

Shop for participating brand name products and help Leket Israel. During the month of June, 25% of all commissions on purchases made on www.ishopforisrael.com will benefit Leket Israel's projects and activities.

5/16/2011 11:16:00 AM

Leket Israel Wine Club

Welcome to a unique opportunity to support Leket Israel, Israel’s largest charitable food rescue organization that also operates as Israel’s official National Food Bank. Our exciting new charitable partnership with Skyview Wine & Spirits, New York’s leading, Zagat-rated (26 points!) supplier of quality kosher wines allows you to discover Israel’s finest wines while supporting a meaningful cause.

3/1/2011 12:47:00 PM

Presentense Summer Institute Skillbui...

Presentense Summer Institute Skillbuilders. Joseph Gitler (Leket Israel Founder) is a graduate of Yeshiva University and Fordham University law school. After making aliyah in 2000, he worked for three years as director of international sales and development for a family software business. He founded Leket Israel in 2003 after witnessing significant food wastage in Israel at a time of rising pov...

2/27/2011 9:05:00 AM

Gleaning with Stu Graff and Family

United We Serve: National Service Blog - This post is a special guest blog post by a staff member at the Corporation for National and Community Service. While on a family vacaction abroad, Stu and his family took a little time to do a service project involving gleaning.

2/10/2011 3:57:00 PM

San Jose Fraternity – Alpha Epsilon Pi

San Jose State's Jewish Fraternity – Alpha Epsilon Pi ANNUAL 2010 BOWL-A-THON TO RAISE FUNDS FOR LEKET ISRAEL

12/30/2010 3:12:00 PM

Donate Money

Your support will help us rescue food. Donate Today

12/29/2010 5:42:00 PM

News & Updates

Leket Israel's News & Updates section provides the reader with news and reports from Leket Israel, coverage in major news outlets, blogs and testimonials, the latest issues of our signature newsletter - the NEWS FEED, and archives of our Seasonal E-news blasts. Browse the articles and updates and get ready to be inspired!

12/23/2010 4:16:00 PM

E-News - Shavuot 2010

Leket Israel stands beside those in need in Israel. Serving as Israel's National Food Bank and largest food rescue network, Leket Israel is working every day to help individuals in need. Through our gleaning, food rescue, and nutritional education programs, we are making a difference in the lives of 20,000 needy Israelis every day. Wishing all our volunteers, friends and supporters a joyous Sh...

12/22/2010 12:13:00 PM

Mr. Joseph Gitler - Chairman and Founder

Joseph is a graduate of Yeshiva University and Fordham University Law School. After making aliyah in 2000, he worked for 3 years as Director of Int'l Sales & Development for a family software business. He founded Leket Israel in 2003 after witnessing significant food wastage in Israel at a time of rising poverty. Joseph's vision and steady hand have led the organization from a simple, one-m...

12/22/2010 12:11:00 PM

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

12/22/2010 11:32:00 AM

About Us

Founded in 2003, Leket Israel serves as the country's largest food bank and food rescue network actively working to alleviate the problem of nutritional insecurity among Israel's diverse population. Help Israel's Needy - Support Israel's National Food Bank. Read on to learn more.

12/22/2010 11:30:00 AM

About Us

Founded in 2003, Leket Israel serves as the country's largest food bank and food rescue network actively working to alleviate the problem of nutritional insecurity among Israel's diverse population. Help Israel's Needy - Support Israel's National Food Bank. Read on to learn more.

12/19/2010 10:44:00 PM

E-News - Chanukah 2010

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy Chanukah and joyful holiday season. As you read the attached articles, we hope you will be encouraged to know that your support of Leket Israel is making a positive difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for helping to alleviate hunger in Israel.

11/10/2010 5:22:00 PM

Donate Money

Your support will help us rescue food. Donate Today