Leket Israel is gearing up to release its latest report on food waste, marking a decade since it began tracking this issue. In collaboration with BDO and the Ministries of Environmental Protection and Health, the upcoming assessment reveals that Israel has wasted food worth around NIS 211 billion (about USD $57 billion) over the past ten years.
The findings show some progress: households are wasting less food per person compared to the past. However, the total waste remains staggering due to rising prices and a growing population. For instance, in 2024, it’s projected that 2.6 million tons of edible food—valued at NIS 26.2 billion (USD $7 billion)—will never reach consumers. Shockingly, nearly 40% of all food produced ends up as waste, equating to about 1.3% of Israel’s national GDP. Last year, families faced a direct cost of NIS 10 billion (USD $2.7 billion), while around 485,000 households fought to get enough nutritious meals.
Food waste isn’t just an economic issue; it also harms the environment. The annual damage is estimated at NIS 4.2 billion (USD $1.14 billion). Moreover, health-related costs tied to food insecurity hit NIS 5.8 billion (USD $1.57 billion), straining vulnerable communities and public health systems.
Since a pivotal State Comptroller’s report a decade ago, government policies have evolved. Officials have crafted a national strategy, updated food donation laws, and created comprehensive guidelines. This year saw the launch of Israel’s first national plan to tackle food loss.
Leket Israel emphasizes that the next steps require significant budget commitments. CEO Gidi Kroch stated, “Throwing away NIS 211 billion (USD $57 billion) of food in just ten years is a national failure.” He highlighted that every shekel invested in food rescue can generate NIS 10.7 in economic benefits.
Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman expressed concern about the ongoing trajectory, stressing that it’s a troubling reality that needs changing. Health Ministry official Dr. Moran Blaychfeld Magnazi noted that better access to fresh fruits and vegetables can enhance community health and bolster long-term economic stability.
BDO’s chief economist, Chen Herzog, referred to the persistent rise in food waste as “an ongoing failure.” He called on the government to allocate funding for a national food rescue program in the upcoming 2026 state budget.
In recent years, social media has amplified discussions around food waste. Hashtags like #FoodWasteAwareness and #SaveFood gain traction, with users sharing tips for reducing waste at home. The topic resonates deeply, especially among younger generations who are more conscious of sustainability and health.
As we reflect on the journey over the past decade, it’s clear that tackling food waste remains a pressing challenge. With continued commitment from government and community initiatives, there’s hope for a more sustainable future.
For more insights into the impact of food waste, explore resources from the Food and Agriculture Organization and discover ways to improve food systems and sustainability efforts worldwide.
