Farming in Israel With a Purpose: Volunteering for Social Impact

In Israel, farming is more than a means of food production—it’s a movement for justice, healing, and human connection. With the help of Israel Food Rescue and our volunteers, local farmers are using agriculture as a force for good, creating support for refugees and building community for those in need.

By rescuing food that would otherwise be left in the field, Israel Food Rescue turns excess into opportunity—and volunteers into change-makers.

Addressing Food Waste and Food Insecurity

In 2023 alone, over 2.6 million tons of food went to waste, valued at over $24 billion NIS, much of it perfectly edible produce left unharvested on farms due to labor shortages or market limitations. At the same time, over 25% of Israelis experience food insecurity, including refugee families and those living in poverty.

Israel Food Rescue directly addresses this gap by organizing gleaning events, where volunteers and farmers in Israel gather fresh fruits and vegetables that would otherwise rot in the fields. This rescued produce is then distributed to local food banks, shelters, community kitchens, and individuals who need it most.

Every year, thanks to volunteers, Israel Food Rescue salvages millions of pounds of fresh produce, making a direct impact on hunger and waste reduction. What would have been discarded now becomes life-sustaining nourishment, harvested with care and delivered with dignity.

Supporting Refugees Through Farming

Israel is home to thousands of refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom face challenges integrating into society, securing stable employment, and accessing nutritious food. Israel Food Rescue works closely with those farming in Israel to provide safe, inclusive spaces for these individuals to reconnect with the land, gain a sense of purpose, and receive essential support.

Some of the farms supported by the program offer part-time agricultural work or volunteer roles to refugees, helping them develop job skills and connect with local communities. Others simply donate large quantities of rescued produce to refugee support centers, ensuring that families fleeing hardship have access to healthy food.

Building Community in Israel Through Service

Farming with Israel Food Rescue is not just a way to feed the hungry—it’s a powerful tool for community building. Volunteers from all walks of life come together in the fields: locals, tourists, students, retirees, and families. With gloves on and sleeves rolled up, they work side by side with farmers and fellow volunteers, forming bonds over shared labor and a shared mission.

These interactions create a sense of unity and empathy that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. People leave the farm not only with sore muscles, but with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing others in their communities—and the difference one person can make.

Volunteering is typically flexible, with farm stays ranging from five days to five weeks. No farming experience is needed—just a good attitude and a willingness to help. Participants often describe the experience as meaningful, grounding, and even therapeutic.

A Movement Rooted in Purpose

Israel Food Rescue’s work is proof that meaningful change often starts with simple actions—like picking a tomato or lifting a crate of cucumbers. But the community building impact ripples outward: food is saved, people are fed, communities are strengthened, and hope is restored.

With every harvest, the organization builds a more just and compassionate Israel—one where no edible food is wasted and no family is left behind. It’s a model of environmental sustainability, human dignity, and grassroots activism all rolled into one.

How to Get Involved

If you are looking for a low-cost Israel travel opportunity and want to make a real difference, volunteering with Israel Food Rescue is a hands-on way to give back. You’ll work the land, meet inspiring people, and help create a food system that works for everyone—including those who are too often forgotten.

In Israel’s sun-drenched fields, the harvest isn’t just food—it’s hope. And when you farm with a purpose, that’s exactly what you’re sowing.

Reach out to us at Israel Food Rescue to learn more about our Israeli farming volunteer opportunities!