During discussions to save food towards feeding hungry children in Israel, MK Uri Maklev stated “saving food has social and economic values and the government must establish a clear policy”.

Hundreds of tons of fresh food totaling NIS 8 billion are destroyed annually instead of reaching those in need. This food he insists can literally save lives as there are people in Israel who are starving.

The Knesset held discussions on saving food and establishing a method by which fresh food can reach end recipients to permit the nation’s hungry to avail themselves of the food which is otherwise discarded. Maklev feels that in addition to missing this lost opportunity, there are dire social and economic consequences to tossing the food which should be used to assist those willing to accept it, and there are many. “We were all raised on not wasting food with a strict adherence to Bal Tashchis” Maklev explained, adding “A large portion of the population addresses daily difficulty in feeding their families and there is malnutrition and hunger as a result”.

During a Knesset Education Committee discussion on the matter, it was explained that perhaps during the day one cannot differentiate the economic status of a child but when it comes time to eat, one will easily see the difference as some have a meagerly sandwich as opposed to others, who boast a handsome sandwich filled with an array of tasty foods.

Maklev and his colleagues are among those pushing legislation to devise a system that would permit the collection and distribution of foods without companies and institutions have to concern themselves with lawsuits.

It has already been reported that in Israel, about 25% of all the food prepared in hotels, banquet halls, catering companies, factories, catering services and retail chains is destroyed instead of distributed.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)