Volunteering and Working

If the army marches on its stomach, it is ever more important to ensure we send safe food that has been approved for donation to soldiers, in order to avoid sanitary risk and protect their health.

Please note: food donations to IDF soldiers and the security forces require approval.

Only valid, dry and ready-to-eat foods that do not require refrigeration or freezing, in closed and original packaging will be approved for donation.
Food that can help soldiers in field conditions is food that is compact and lightweight, preferably packed in individual packaging. It is recommended to send food that is concentrated and rich in calories and protein.

Foods recommended for donation

• Protein bars and energy bars: protein rich snacks intended for those engaged in sports.
• Tuna cans.
• Cardboard boxes of cooked legumes: chickpeas, lentils or beans.
• Energy gel: concentrated energy drinks intended for those engaged in sports.
• Electrolyte powder intended for drinking in case of dehydration (can be bought at all pharmacies).
• Personal dry snacks: pretzels, prepackaged crackers with full food labeling, including ingredients and expiration date.
• Dried fruits: dates, figs, raisins, prepackaged dried fruit mix, with full food labeling, including ingredients and expiration date.
• Peanuts, almonds and walnuts: prepackaged, with full food labeling, including ingredients and expiration date.
• Personal halvah bars.
• Oats for preparation without cooking in individual packaging.
• Sugar-free chewing gum and candies.

What about cooked food?

When it comes to donations of cooked food, there is a higher risk of food spoilage, as a result of improper handling and transportation, and of morbidity that can damage the health of citizens and soldiers, and even the war effort. Therefore, the following guidelines must be followed for donation of ready-to-eat food (for immediate consumption) from restaurants or catering companies that have a business or manufacturer license:

• It is recommended to pack the food in individual packing.
• Transportation of the products will be in accordance with the normal shipping conditions for these businesses, which include temperature maintenance: chilled food at up to 5 degrees Celsius, hot food at 65 degrees Celsius at least.
• Whole and washed fruits and vegetables, packaged against contamination.

Even when hosting soldiers and serving home-cooked meals, make sure you store the food properly and protect it from moisture, contamination, rodents and pests.

Please note: hot or cold cooked food that is not consumed – must be thrown away.