Grantee Pesia’s Kitchen/EAT, founded by Gideon Ben-Ami and led by Yoni Ben-Ami, finished up another wonderful year of impact through their successful school-based programs, which combine education about nutrition, food waste, and food insecurity with actual food distribution to school families and community members in a dignified way. This past year they expanded to reach 16 schools!
In a year-end reflection, Maayan, the social involvement coordinator at one of their local schools working with at-risk youth, shared her thoughts on the impact of their new partnership with Pesia’s Kitchen/EAT:
“What began as a broader effort to build belonging and engagement through volunteering turned into a transformative weekly program. Starting in the second quarter of the school year, rescued produce was delivered each Monday, and students took part in packing, sorting, and distributing food—creating a joyful, hands-on experience that not only improved attendance but deepened students’ sense of purpose and self-worth. With support from the welfare department and local community partners, the effort blossomed into a celebration of giving and receiving with dignity. I hope that this beautiful project will continue for many years to come.”
