Israeli NGO Seeks Nationwide School Breakfast Program to Combat Student Hunger and Violence

Approximately 75,000 Israeli students regularly arrive at school hungry each morning, according to the nonprofit organization Nevet. Currently, the law mandates daily meals only for eligible children in kindergartens and elementary schools, leaving middle and high school students without a formal nutritional support framework. Nevet highlights that hunger in adolescence exacerbates risks such as school dropout, learning gaps, and social difficulties, including increased violence.

Nevet proposes expanding its existing breakfast program, which currently serves about 20,000 students across 500 schools and 150 municipalities, to reach 75,000 students nationwide within four to five years. The program targets students in middle and high schools classified in the highest socio-economic deprivation categories (7-10) by the Ministry of Education’s "nurturing indices." Eligibility for meals would be determined by school staff familiar with each student's needs.

The organization reports that schools participating in the program have seen improvements in academic performance, teacher-student relationships, and reductions in absenteeism and violent incidents. Nevet estimates the full program’s annual cost at approximately 76 million shekels, based on six shekels per meal over 170 school days. Funding would combine government budgets, philanthropic contributions, and Nevet’s operational infrastructure.

In the short term, Nevet recommends establishing a dedicated budget line within the Ministry of Education or launching a pilot program with government and philanthropic partners. Long-term plans include advocating for legislation to secure ongoing government funding and institutionalize the program, ensuring sustainability beyond donations.