Leket Israel is the largest food bank in Israel, and has been a leader and an expert in food rescue nationwide since 2003. The organization sources, collects and redistributes fresh, perishable, quality food, which would otherwise be considered waste, from farms, hotels, military bases and catering halls. This is done in an effort to aid the quarter of the country’s population that lives below the poverty line. Leket works with 195 non-profits throughout the country to provide nutritious food to over 175,000 Israelis weekly. Last year alone, Leket collected and delivered over 30 million pounds of fresh, healthy food for the needy.

When I was in Israel visiting Maddie, I wanted to do a meaningful mitzvah (besides helping the economy by spending a ton of money there!!)  Leket was the perfect project during Sukkoth, the harvest festival.  I called beforehand to make sure that we weren’t picking oranges, WHICH I HATE!  They assured me that we were picking pomelos.  Perfect.  In true Israeli fashion, they decided at the last minute to pick clementines.  Are you kidding me???   So I held my breath, put on my big girl pants and picked clementines.  We brought some friends and had a great time, despite the smell.  I think this should count as a double mitzvah!