FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What does Leket Israel do?
Simply put, we take food slated for destruction and redirect it to needy people. Our volunteers and staff members collect excess food from event halls, corporate cafeterias, farmers, bakeries, packing houses and food manufacturers, and deliver the food to soup kitchens, food pantries, day care and senior citizen centers, homeless shelters and other non-profit organizations that serve those in need.
How does Leket Israel help the needy?
We provide hot meals, fresh fruits and vegetables and quality manufactured goods to social service agencies, who then serve the food to their clientele. We also match food donors with service organizations in areas that we are not yet able to serve.
If I donate a dollar how much food will Leket Israel rescue?
For every dollar donated, we rescue $5 worth of food at wholesale values.
How are you different from Meals on Wheels or food banks?
We provide food to charitable service organizations (like Meals on Wheels) who serve the needy. We collect prepared and perishable food that would otherwise be wasted and we transport the donated food immediately, safely and free of charge to soup kitchens and other emergency food programs throughout Israel. Our efforts have helped our partner organizations slash costs, allowing them in turn to expand their operations to serve more people. In some instances we have helped charitable organizations eliminate food costs completely.
Is Leket Israel kosher?
Yes and no. While we accept all donations of unused, wholesome food that would otherwise be wasted, we take care to ensure that non-kosher food is delivered to our partners who serve the Arab community, African refugees and other non-Jewish sectors in Israel. We supply organizations in the Jewish community with prepared food and manufactured goods with reliable kashrut certification.
Is there food Leket Israel won't accept?
Leket Israel cannot accept food that has been served on tables, or food deemed unsafe by our drivers and volunteers. We do not collect food from individuals.
Who donates to Leket Israel?
We have forged partnerships with catering companies, corporate cafeterias, private farmers, restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, wholesale food suppliers, local green grocers and other companies faced with the ethical dilemma of how to responsibly discard surplus food.
Wouldn't it be easier just to buy the food?
Yes. But it would also be more expensive. Food rescue is the most efficient and cost-effective way to get fresh food to hungry people. Because all our food is donated, our cost to rescue a meal is considerably lower than even the most efficiently run soup kitchen spends to provide meals. Also, rescuing food from the garbage can has a positive impact on the environment.
In addition, by preventing nutritious food from ending up in the garbage, we honor the rabbinic instruction not to waste food.
How much does Leket Israel pay for the food it provides?
All food collected by Leket Israel is donated and is collected, transported and redistributed without charge to non-profit agencies that feed the hungry.
In what areas of Israel is Leket Israel active?
Leket Israel is currently active in nearly all areas of Israel, from the Golan Heights in the north to Beer Sheva and Ofakim in the Negev Desert.
I'd like to volunteer with Leket Israel. Could you use my help?
Absolutely! Volunteers are the backbone of Leket Israel. Thousands of volunteers each year help Leket Israel collect food from night-time events, prepare sandwiches, and help perform administrative and office duties. Tens of thousands more participate in Project Leket by spending time outdoors, picking fruit and vegetables that will be donated to non-profit organizations
To volunteer with one of our projects, please visit our volunteer page.
Can I start a food rescue program like Leket Israel in my community?
Of course. We would be glad to share our experience and expertise to help create local food rescue programs. Please contact us or phone our office at +972 9 744-1757 for more information.
I'd like to help but I don't live in Israel. How can I contribute?
Leket Israel depends on financial donations to rescue food. We are grateful to our supporters all over the world.
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