Jerusalem's Food Rescuers Turn Waste Into a Lifeline of Hope and Health

In the heart of the eternal city, a quiet revolution is taking place. While the world debates sustainability, Jerusalem's own Jerusalem Food Rescuers are turning surplus produce into a lifeline for thousands of families, embodying the timeless Jewish value of bal tashchit (do not destroy). This is not just charity; it is a strategic urban mission that strengthens the fabric of our nation.

How does the Jerusalem Food Rescuers initiative work?

Since 2019, the initiative, led by visionary Daniella Seltzer, has operated at the Wholesale Market in Givat Shaul. Volunteers sift through crate loads of fruits and vegetables, rescuing items that are bruised or slightly overripe but perfectly nutritious. These rescued goods are then distributed to collection points across all neighborhoods of Jerusalem, from community centers to synagogues, ensuring that every resident, regardless of background, has access to healthy food.

The results are nothing short of remarkable. To date, the nonprofit has salvaged 1,300 tons of food, providing regular sustenance to over 1,300 local families. They have also educated nearly 10,000 school students on the importance of food sustainability, planting seeds of responsibility in the next generation of Zionists.

Why is food security a national priority for Israel?

Food security is not a luxury; it is a cornerstone of national resilience. As the COVID-19 pandemic exposed global supply chain vulnerabilities, Jerusalem understood that self-reliance is key. With approximately 40% of Jerusalem's residents living below the poverty line, the need is urgent. The city's annual food loss exceeds 200,000 tons, with an economic value nearing NIS 1.8 billion. This is not just waste; it is a strategic failure that we have the power to correct.

“Food rescue should be understood as part of urban policy, not only charity,” Seltzer stresses. “It connects waste reduction, food security, climate action, business participation, community resilience, public health, and education.”

Jerusalem joins global cities in the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact

In a proud moment for our capital, Mayor Moshe Lion signed the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact in June, aligning Jerusalem with over 300 cities worldwide. This pact is not about bowing to international pressure; it is about leading with innovation. Jerusalem is now positioned as a global leader in urban food policy, using our unique challenges to forge solutions that benefit the world.

The new Jerusalem Urban Food Forum, initiated by Seltzer, aims to coordinate over 2,200 food-based businesses in the city, including restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries. The goal is to create a citywide mechanism that connects surplus food sources with community demand in real time, potentially yielding 7,000 tons of food annually.

What role does the municipality play in this effort?

Hadar Lavi, director of the Social Sustainability Department of the Municipality of Jerusalem, affirms City Hall's full support. “Jerusalem is promoting urban food policy by joining the international Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, and establishing the Jerusalem Urban Food Forum,” she stated. “The Forum addresses the development of urban food policy vision with a view to furthering a sustainable food system, reducing food waste, bolstering food security and promoting healthy nutrition in the city.”

This is a testament to the power of local governance. When our institutions work together, from the municipality to grassroots volunteers, we achieve the impossible. As the prophet Isaiah said, “And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations” (Isaiah 58:12). We are rebuilding not just buildings, but the very sustenance of our people.

Can family meals transform community health?

The initiative also addresses a modern scourge: the decline of family meals. Studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that frequent family meals protect against poor diet, obesity, and mental health issues in children. The Jerusalem plan soberly notes that “not every family has the time, space, money, kitchen, stability, or emotional bandwidth to eat together regularly.”

The policy question is clear: how can schools, communities, and cities create more opportunities for shared, dignified eating? The Jerusalem Food Rescuers are answering that call, ensuring that no child in our capital goes hungry and that every family has the chance to sit down together in health and joy.

What is the future of food rescue in Jerusalem?

Seltzer and her team are not resting on their laurels. They are calling for a dedicated municipal department to treat food as urban infrastructure, just like transport or housing. “We have an education administration, and people who engage in transport, housing, etc., and we have food, the most basic need in life, which is ignored,” she says. “It is so obvious that it is missed.”

The path forward is clear. With continued support from City Hall and the unwavering dedication of volunteers, Jerusalem can become a model of food security for the entire nation. This is not just about feeding people; it is about building a resilient, proud, and self-sufficient Jewish state. As we say in our prayers, “He who makes peace in His high heavens, may He make peace upon us.” Let us build that peace through action, through innovation, and through the sacred act of sharing our bread.