Meir Panim does far more than just feed those in need; we transform lives.
At Meir Panim, we know that the needs of those living in the depths of poverty extend far beyond food. That’s why we offer a diverse range of programs designed to target the unique needs of Israelis in poverty with utmost dignity, respect, and love.
In Israel today, more than a reported 1.8 million people, including 1 in 3 children, live at or below the poverty line. These families work, serve their country, and do everything they can; yet month after month, the numbers still do not add up.
Across our five locations, Meir Panim’s Restaurant-Style Soup Kitchens serve roughly 2,600,000 quality meals annually to impoverished Israelis. These centers provide a dignified alternative to traditional soup kitchens by offering guests a comfortable and welcoming dining environment.
For the elderly, disabled, and homebound, including many Holocaust survivors, visiting a Meir Panim Restaurant-Style Soup Kitchen is often impossible. We respond to this urgent need by delivering freshly packaged meals directly to their doors every day.
The Holocaust Survivor Day Center in Dimona offers tailored support and activities for survivors. By providing a warm and social environment, Meir Panim ensures that these individuals receive both the practical care and the community connection they deserve.
Our clubs are transforming cities with high populations of families who live below the poverty line. These communal buildings are shaping children’s lives so that they can rise out of poverty and become contributing members of Israeli society.
While Israel’s brave soldiers dedicate themselves to protecting the country, Meir Panim is committed to protecting their well-being and supporting the families they leave behind. Whether they are stationed on the front lines, returning home on short leave, or serving months in reserve duty, we work to ensure that neither our heroes nor their loved ones ever feel forgotten.
Meir Panim operates a community center in Sderot dedicated to helping at-risk teens develop essential life skills. Our programs empower these young people to build a better future while actively working to break the cycle of poverty in their community.
Hosted at all five of our branches, this weekly fresh produce market provides over 10,000 low-income families with the normality of a traditional Shuk. By offering the dignity of choice, we ensure our guests can select their own fresh ingredients to prepare and enjoy in the comfort of their homes.
Meir Panim’s Summer Camp provides a fun, safe and nurturing environment for children whose families can not afford to send them to camp.
Too many needy Israeli individuals and families live in shameful conditions, lacking basic amenities for the home and even bare essentials like a bed, refrigerator, table and chairs, stove, or baby equipment. With the poverty rate in Israel currently standing at almost 25%, thousands of people struggle to furnish their homes with even the most basic of necessities.
Meir Panim distributes food packages filled with traditional holiday foods to thousands of families in need.
The heartbreaking scenes of people waiting in long lines at food pantries have become increasingly common. Struggling families, destitute elderly and Holocaust survivors deserve to receive aid with dignity.
Every family is entitled to celebrate Shabbat, a day of peace, joy and delicious foods. But what if there is no food to put on the table? What will make Shabbat special if the day is filled with hunger and want?
With poverty on the rise, Meir Panim has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Jerusalem.
Innocent children are the most unfortunate victims of Israel’s poverty crisis. Over 1.1 million children in Israel are currently living below the poverty line. Meir Panim’s Meals for Children program provides one hot, nourishing meal every day to needy children in Israel – because no child should go to bed hungry.
In Israel today, more than a reported 1.8 million people, including 1 in 3 children, live at or below the poverty line. These families work, serve their country, and do everything they can; yet month after month, the numbers still do not add up.
Rising poverty and inflation have pushed our relief centers to capacity. To sustain this vital work, we need consistent monthly funding. Your support directly covers essential operational costs. Explore our core expenses below and choose where to make an impact today.
Monthly cost of running
the Sderot community center
Monthly costs of meals-on-wheels food and delivery expenses
Monthly cost of services for holocaust survivors
Monthly costs of meals served in restaurant-style soup kitchens
At Meir Panim, our fight against poverty in Israel is guided by the highest standards of compassion, accountability, and deep respect for every individual.
Meir Panim prioritizes serving our patrons in a truly dignified manner. Because no one chooses to be in a position where they require assistance, we take immense pride in delivering all of our services with deep, unconditional respect for each individual.
Meir Panim is dedicated to abolishing poverty, not just treating it. That’s why we focus heavily on building community centers designed to cultivate essential life skills and foster a future full of hope.
Meir Panim’s branches are deeply attuned to the daily realities of the people they serve; on any given day, you will find our centers transformed with volunteers distributing essential school supplies, hosting free medical and eye exams, or providing critical local resources well beyond a hot meal.
The locations of our branches are as varied as the people we serve. Our network spans more than 250 miles, reaching from Tzfat in the north to Dimona in the heart of the south. Whether in the Galilee or the Negev, Meir Panim remains a constant presence, ensuring that no matter where someone lives in Israel, they are never far from nourishment and dignity.
Meir Panim prioritizes serving our patrons in a truly dignified manner. Because no one chooses to be in a position where they require assistance, we take immense pride in delivering all of our services with deep, unconditional respect for each individual.
Meir Panim’s reach extends far beyond our volunteer teams on the ground in Israel. We are a vibrant global community united by a shared passion to uplift and support Israelis in need. No matter where you live, you play a vital role in our mission.
Join us today and become a key part of our global family.
Want to be a part of solving poverty in Israel?
It is easy to make a lasting difference when you partner with Meir Panim through a recurring monthly gift or a one-time contribution.
Meir Panim’s community is more than just the volunteers on the ground here in Israel. We are a global community with a common passion for supporting the needy in Israel.
Want to be a part of solving poverty in Israel? It’s easy to make a difference when you partner with Meir Panim by making a monthly donation, or even by making a one time contribution.
