Israel Passes Food Donation Law for Public Institutions
May 7, 2025 — Food loss and waste remain urgent global challenges, straining the environment, burdening public health systems, and deepening food insecurity. According to reports by Leket, approximately 37% of food produced in Israel — around 2.6 million tons annually — is lost across the supply chain, representing an estimated NIS 23.1 billion (USD $6.5 billion), or 1.4% of the national GDP. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Israelis struggle with food insecurity. Recognizing the critical need for action, Israel took a major policy step forward.
In 2024, the Knesset passed a landmark amendment to the Food Donation Encouragement Law, requiring public institutions to donate their surplus food to nonprofit organizations serving people in need. Under the new law, government ministries, municipalities, state-owned enterprises, and security bodies like the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) must partner with certified food distribution organizations if they serve at least 500 meals per workday. This transition from voluntary donation to a legal obligation marks a turning point in Israel’s national food rescue efforts.
The amendment introduces detailed safeguards to ensure food safety and operational effectiveness. Institutions must respond to food donation requests within 60 days, and recipient organizations must comply with Israel’s Food Law, implementing strict internal food safety protocols. To promote accountability, food distribution organizations are required to submit annual reports detailing the quantity and use of donated food. Public institutions are not financially responsible for transportation and logistics, ensuring that operational costs do not deter participation.
Based on these strengthened requirements, Israel’s policy strength on donation requirements shifts from “No Policy” to “Moderate” under Atlas’ global policy rubric.
This legislative victory was led by Leket Israel, the nation’s largest food rescue organization. Gidi Kroch, Leket Israel CEO, said, “Today is a historic day for Israel, reflecting a profound understanding of the advantages of food rescue. The amendment will transform food rescue efforts and provide assistance to hundreds of thousands of Israeli families suffering from food insecurity while also saving billions for the State budget.”
Food rescue in Israel delivers immense economic, social, and environmental benefits. Each NIS 1 invested in food rescue generates NIS 3.6 in direct food value — and when factoring in environmental and health benefits, the total return rises to NIS 10.6 for the national economy. Reducing food waste also mitigates environmental costs, estimated at NIS 3.9 billion (USD $1.1 billion) annually, by conserving natural resources like water and land.
Moving forward, the Atlas project will continue to monitor the implementation of Israel’s new food donation requirements and update our policy landscape annually to reflect new developments. Israel demonstrates how targeted policy interventions can create lasting change — turning potential waste into nourishment, and reshaping systems for a more food-secure future.
Learn about Israel’s 2024 amendments to the Food Donation Encouragement Law.