Israeli Families Face Significant Food Shortfall Ahead of Holidays

A new study by the "Latet" organization, conducted by SFI Group, reveals a concerning reality for many Israeli families struggling to afford basic food supplies, especially with the upcoming holidays. The research indicates that families relying on aid are short approximately 14,000 shekels annually to purchase a basic food basket. The minimum monthly cost for a household's food basket in 2026 is estimated at 3,928 shekels, a 4.8% increase from the previous year's 3,747 shekels, adding 2,172 shekels per year to household expenses.

For families receiving assistance, the increase in food expenditure is even more pronounced. Their actual food spending, which is below the basic basket cost, rose by 8.9% from 2,536 shekels in 2025 to 2,762 shekels in 2026. This results in a significant monthly gap of 1,166 shekels, or about 14,000 shekels annually, between the required minimum food cost and the actual spending of aided households. This deficit explains the prevalence of food insecurity, as these families lack the budget for essential nutrition and are forced to compromise on the quantity and quality of food.

Eran Wintrob, CEO of "Latet," attributed the worsening situation to the "Long War," the high cost of living, and a lack of systematic government action to reduce poverty and food insecurity. He highlighted the stark contrast between Israelis queuing for flights and those waiting for food packages, urging that the fight against poverty and food insecurity become a national policy, not just a response to distress, emphasizing it should be a matter of national consensus.

With upcoming elections, Wintrob appealed to party leaders to include concrete policy measures in their platforms and coalition agreements to address poverty and social gaps. In the interim, "Latet" and other aid organizations are appealing to the public for donations of holiday meals to support needy families, fostering a sense of care and mutual responsibility.

Yaron Neudorfer, CEO of SFI Group, stated that the study quantifies food insecurity, showing a 1,166 shekel monthly gap between the cost of healthy nutrition and the actual spending of aided families. He stressed that this is not a matter of consumption habits but of economic capability, leading to daily sacrifices of essential food, and urged policymakers to use these findings to ensure access to healthy food for all households.