Meir Panim: Feeding the Hungry With Dignity

Seeing how far Israel has come in just three-quarters of a century - it makes your heart burst with pride. From a resource-poor, nascent state that struggled to absorb a burgeoning refugee population, Israel has emerged into a high-tech giant with international influence that belies its tiny geographical size. But for all the incredible advances and rapid development, there remains a significant segment of society which, sadly, has been left on the sidelines. According to the most recent statistics, a whopping 27.8% of the population – including 1,176,000 children – live below the poverty line.

Giving respectfully

Meir Panim distributes roughly one million meals each year to those in need from its five branches in Jerusalem, Tzfat, Tiberias, Or Akiva and Dimona. In addition, the NGO operates a free “market” for the distribution of farm-fresh produce and provides thousands of prepaid grocery shopping cards, as well as another 35,000 meals for at-risk children from disadvantaged families in high-poverty communities.

Meir Panim’s patrons come from across the spectrum of Israeli society. In addition to Holocaust survivors and the elderly, who are hard put to make ends meet on their minimal pensions, Meir Panim caters to other sectors who have been hit hard by skyrocketing inflation, including single-parent families, people on disability allowances and the working poor.

Mimi Rozmaryn, Meir Panim’s Director of Global Development, describes the organization’s unique philosophy as “striving to create a positive experience for our recipients, to give with dignity and respect, with the goal of eliminating the stigma of being on the receiving end. That mindset guides everything we do.” She adds: “Meir Panim’s mission is to give in a respectful way that helps people feel whole again — not only because the organization provides them with food to eat, but because Meir Panim is attentive to their social and emotional needs as well.”

Meir Panim extends its services to one and all. “We don’t ask any questions. We don’t look at what people are wearing and make assumptions about them. Our whole ethos is an extension of that. Everyone who comes in is welcome,” Mimi says.

Array of creative programs

But Meir Panim does more than provide a smile and a warm meal. For example, Meir Panim’s Sderot Community Center seeks to break the cycle of poverty at its source by offering a haven for struggling teens in this Gaza border town. Professional programs run by social workers and volunteers teach the youth to lead healthy and productive lives as caring individuals and community members. In recent years, the Meir Panim branch in Dimona has opened a Young Chef Training Program to help provide career options for at-risk youth, as well as a career training program to empower disadvantaged women and single mothers. The other branches, too, have implemented an array of creative programs to benefit underserved demographics.

Mimi notes that volunteering at the various Meir Panim branches all over Israel is a valuable form of philanthropy. “People from all walks of life, including many tourists, come into Meir Panim’s centers and offer their time, talents, and abilities. Because we have such a lean staff, we engage thousands of volunteers to put together holiday baskets, cook meals and distribute Meals-on-Wheels. Anyone at any level of ability and financial means can come in and make a difference,” she says.

You, too, can be a part of Meir Panim’s life-changing work! Make your donation today online at here.
through the toll-free number at (877) 7-DONATE / 877.736.6283, or by mail to American Friends of Meir Panim at 88 Walton Street, Suite B1, Brooklyn, NY 11206-4479. All donations made in the US are tax-deductible under EIN# 20-1582478.

Partnered with Meir Panim