Israeli Report Reveals High Food Insecurity Among Palestinian Families

Tel aviv: A report from Israel's National Insurance Institute has revealed that 58% of Palestinian families in Israel are experiencing food insecurity, with only 10% of these households enjoying a high level of food security. The findings highlight a significant disparity in food security between different populations within the country. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the report, which was released today and covers the year 2024, underscores that Palestinian families in Israel, particularly those with one or two children, are 3.5 times more likely to face food insecurity compared to non-Haredi Jewish families. Among the Haredi Jewish community, food insecurity is prevalent in 25% of households. More than a quarter of households in Israel, equivalent to 2.8 million people, including over one million children, reported being unable to provide food of the required quantity or quality. This equates to 27.1% of all Israeli households, although there was a slight decrease compared to 3 0.8% in 2023. The survey, conducted between May and November 2024, included a sample of 5,000 adults and was based on a shortened version of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's food security survey. This survey encompassed six questions focusing on the quantity, quality, and availability of food in households. The report also links food insecurity directly to income levels, noting that nearly half of households in the lowest economic tiers (47.6%) experience food insecurity. It warns that this phenomenon has broad implications for the Israeli economy, including reduced labor productivity, increased healthcare costs, and negative effects on the human capital of younger generations.