60% of Needy Children Miss Out on School Meal Program
Approximately 60% of children experiencing food insecurity are not covered by the Ministry of Education's school meal program, according to an analysis of program data and food insecurity statistics. In the 2023-2024 school year, about 500,000 students in kindergartens and elementary schools received meals, with a similar number expected for 2024-2025. The program's reach is limited as it only serves kindergartens and elementary schools. Furthermore, its potential is not fully realized due to budget constraints in weaker local authorities, leading to an estimated 600 million shekels ($160 million) in unutilized funds last year.
National Insurance Institute data reveals that 1.034 million children, or 31.7% of all children in Israel, suffer from food insecurity, with 354,000 facing severe food insecurity. The non-profit organization "Nabet" is attempting to bridge this gap by distributing 20,000-25,000 sandwiches daily to students who arrive at school without a morning meal.
A new study by "Ma'ashav Applied Research" for Nabet tracked 71 students in grades 7-12 who received meals and their school staff. School staff reported significant improvements among participating students, including increased concentration (87%), better attendance (86%), a decrease in violent incidents (72%), and greater calmness during the school day (90%). Teachers also noted a roughly 10-point increase in student grades, fewer absences, and improved classroom atmosphere.
Nabet has urged Knesset members and education minister candidates to include a national program for breakfast meals in middle and high schools in the next government's platform. "A morning meal is a basic condition for learning, persistence, and trust in the education system," stated Rotem Yosef-Gla'adi, CEO of Nabet. "Morning hunger directly harms students' concentration, increases absences and violence, and ultimately leads to dropout."
Another issue is the declining utilization of the existing meal program. Four years ago, 95% of eligible schools participated, but last year, utilization dropped to 60%. The value of this unutilized portion is estimated at 665 million shekels ($177 million), primarily because local authorities, facing budget costs, opt out of providing the service. The Ministry of Education stated that the program is funded based on actual implementation by local authorities, and expanding it to middle and high schools would require significant, currently unbudgeted, additional funding.
