Providing food security to asylum seekers and undocumented individuals

Backround:

There are approximately 30,000 asylum seekers and people without status living in Israel, most residing in the impoverished neighborhoods of South Tel-Aviv. Asylum seekers and people without status living in Israel experience ongoing financial instability, often resulting in increased vulnerabilities and exposure to many risks, such as homelessness, health and safety, food insecurity, and more.

The right to adequate food is a long-standing international human right, generally understood as the right to feed oneself in dignity. However, food and nutrition security is often compromised amongst underserved populations.

An official study conducted by the Ministry of Health and Mesila found that 86% of the community lack food security. Asylum seekers and people without status in Israel are ineligible for unemployment services or other government social benefits.

The Project:

A “Client Choice” food assistance program- the Social Grocery Store for asylum seekers and people without status is unique project, and the first of its kind in Israel. The project was established in partnership with Mesila, Lasova and the Tel Aviv Foundation.

The Social Grocery Store officially opened on July 13th, 2021 and operates Tuesday-Thursday from 4pm-8pm. The project currently provides a variety of dry foods and vegetables to 856 families (over 3,500 women, children, and men) each month, with the aim of increasing to 1,000 families.

The Social Grocery Store clients are some of the most vulnerable families from the asylum seeker community living in Tel Aviv. Families are identified by Mesila, alongside referrals from other organizations supporting this underserved population.

For a video showcasing the social grocery store`s activity press here.

The Impact:

The Social Grocery Store provides a safe, respectful, and personalized environment for its clients, thus enabling them to obtain stable sources of nutritious food, changing their lives and alleviating the burden of food insecurity. Rather than worrying about the source of their next meal, the people serviced by the Social Grocery can focus their efforts on bettering their financial circumstances, supporting their children and their needs and advancing towards overcoming poverty.

Requested Donation:

120,000 NIS a month are required to feed 850 families supported by the Social Grocery Store