School Lunch Programs in Israel, Past and Present

Over the last two centuries, the transition from a rural, agricultural society to an urban, industrial society has caused a shortage in many foods that had once been available in the villages, leading to deficiencies in essential nutrients. Nations worldwide have since faced the need to establish programs in order to feed those who no longer have ready access to the fruits of the land, in particular children. Part of this need has been met by lunch programs. Many countries throughout the industrialized West have created programs of various sorts. Some aim only at feeding the children, while others also seek to teach nutrition. Such efforts have also been undertaken in Israel, beginning in the era of the British Mandate, but were ended in the 1970s as rising prosperity led the Israeli government to conclude that a rich country had no need for a program to feed the poor. The decision was not without its costs, including a widening gap between the various levels of society and a shorter school day that forced many mothers to work just part time. However, in 2005, the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) approved a trial lunch program in response to a survey that revealed a significant need for enhanced nutrition among the poorer students in Israel’s schools. An understanding of earlier lunch programs should contribute to successful implementation of this trial.