Which Families Will Receive 150 Million Shekels from the State?

"Good things happen in our country," begins our conversation with Mendy Bloy, head of Kollel Chabad. He is not referring to the results of the recent elections, but rather to the state of the poor in the country.

"Every year at this time, the poverty report is published," he notes, "This year is no different, and I predict that the data will not be particularly heartening. Many families live below the poverty line in Israel. Some face daily poverty and genuine difficulty in purchasing basic food products. But this year brings good news, as the Ministry of Welfare has launched a new initiative called the 'National Nutritional Security Initiative.' This project supports needy families by distributing purchase vouchers and fruit and vegetable baskets, recognizing that families cannot rely solely on charities; the state must provide for them."

Great News for Families

Bloy states that the discussions about the initiative began several years ago when it was piloted in various cities across the country. "This is nothing less than a revolution in terms of assistance for families," Bloy says. "From now on, each family will receive a card for purchasing food products, loaded monthly with 350 shekels for purchases at local grocery chains, and an additional 20 kg of fruits and vegetables delivered directly to their homes." Bloy emphasizes that with the initiative now running permanently and not just as a pilot, he predicts many families will receive financial assistance for the first time in their lives.

Who contacts the families to inform them of their eligibility for the program?

"Currently, each local welfare department across the country has a nutritional security coordinator responsible for identifying those in severe poverty and offering them state support. Overall, about 30,000 families from all over the country are eligible for the support, carefully selected by the Ministry of Welfare. By the way, this isn't an exclusive idea of ours. For example, in the USA, a fixed card worth $600 has been distributed for years to every needy family. Here, the budget totals 150 million shekels, which will be distributed among approximately 30,000 families."

While the Ministry of Welfare identifies the eligible families, Bloy clarifies that any family in a severe nutritional situation that hasn't been contacted is welcomed to open a file at the welfare office to receive assistance. "Families participating in the program will not only receive cards and food but also partake in nutrition and economics workshops. Alongside, they will undergo a process of maximizing their rights, becoming aware of additional rights due to their circumstances, and being integrated into other relevant programs of the Ministry of Welfare."

Escaping Poverty

It's nice to receive money, but clearly this amount isn't enough even for a weekly family purchase...

"That is clear," Bloy says, "But let’s not forget these are families in severe poverty, and every shekel is significant for them. Currently, the support is uniform and identical, meaning smaller families experience significant relief, whereas for larger families, this amount is more absorbed in their monthly expenses. But already there are talks about adjusting the amount according to family size in the future, which will enable more families to experience economic relief."

Bloy emphasizes that beyond this important initiative, it also sends a strong message from the state. "The State of Israel is proving that it is taking responsibility for nutrition and is not leaving it solely to charities. Until now, the state has issued various and diverse allowances, but nutrition wasn't addressed, as if it was understood that charities should handle it. Now things are changing, and this is very good news."

And what about the fate of the charities? Will they no longer be needed?

"Unfortunately, under today's circumstances, there is room for everyone. Many families cry out for help, and the support from the Ministry of Welfare is respectable but not sufficient. Especially during times like holiday eves when expenses rise, substantial aid from charities will be needed. Incidentally, the Ministry of Welfare's program operates in collaboration with almost all charitable organizations, with some family lists referred through them. It is truly a joint effort."