Food Basket Costs Soar, Leaving Vulnerable Israeli Families in Deficit

The cost of a basic food basket for an Israeli household is projected to reach NIS 3,928 per month in 2026, marking a 4.8% increase from the previous year, according to a study by the "Leket" organization conducted by SFI. This translates to an annual increase of NIS 2,172 per household. However, families receiving assistance are spending significantly less on food than the basic basket's cost. These families are spending an average of NIS 2,762 monthly on food, an 8.9% rise from 2025, leaving a monthly gap of NIS 1,166 between the basic basket's cost and their actual expenditure. Annually, this deficit amounts to approximately NIS 14,000.

"Leket" claims this gap forces families to compromise on the quantity and quality of food necessary for a balanced diet. The organization reported a 32% surge in demand for food assistance leading up to the holidays. Eran Wintrob, CEO of "Leket," stated that the situation is worsening due to the prolonged conflict, the high cost of living, and a lack of systemic government action to reduce poverty and food insecurity. He drew a stark contrast between Israelis able to travel abroad and those queuing for food packages.

Wintrob urged political parties to prioritize poverty reduction and social inequality in their platforms and coalition agreements, advocating for the fight against poverty and food insecurity to become national policy rather than just a response to distress. Yaron Neudorfer, CEO of SFI, emphasized that the NIS 1,166 monthly gap reflects an economic inability, not consumption habits, leading to daily sacrifices of essential food items. He stressed that policymakers should use these findings to ensure access to healthy food for all.