State covers just 13% of food aid NGOs’ budgets, study finds

According to the first comprehensive mapping of food aid charities in Israel, led by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Sheba Medical Center, the state covers only 13 percent of these organizations' budgets. The study, published in the journal Food Policy, reveals that there are 2,289 active food-aid NGOs in the country with an annual turnover of at least NIS 6.18 billion ($2.1 billion).

The research indicates that about a third of the reported turnover comes from domestic gifts, 16% from foreign donations, and 16% from in-kind contributions. Despite widespread need, the geographical distribution of services is uneven; 29% of the NGOs serve the Jerusalem district, while only 9% operate in the north.

Prof. Aron Troen, a co-lead of the study, emphasized that while civil society performs extraordinary work, a modern state cannot rely on charity alone to ensure access to healthy food. He noted that the real question is whether aid is being delivered equitably, effectively, and transparently, and whether philanthropy is complementing public responsibility or being asked to replace it.

The report also highlights gaps in Arab communities, where, despite high rates of food insecurity, only 4% of registered NGOs operate. The authors call for stronger public leadership, including improved oversight, standardized reporting, nutritional standards, and better coordination between charitable organizations and government policy.