Relief Center In Israel - Meir Panim

Mission
Meir Panim’s mission is to prevent poverty, distress and dependence on governmental aid or charity, and to build self-esteem and independence amongst needy populations in Israel. Meir Panim is the largest conduit of its kind, dispensing vital food and social service programs to those who need it most. Our commitment is to the people of Israel and under no circumstances do we discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or religious observance.

For nearly a decade, Meir Panim has been steadfast in its dedication to the needy of Israel. Meir Panim's dynamic programs reach out to all victims of poverty - young and old alike - restoring hope into the lives of thousands each day. Meir Panim aims to be not only a provider of food and social service programs to those who need it most, but a symbol of strength to meet the daily challenges of the impoverished of Israel.

MEIR PANIM - Numbers and data 3,000 Devoted, responsible, regular volunteers representing all shades of Israeli society give of their time, energy and talents, enabling Meir Panim and POG to continue their ongoing work. 5,000 Alternating volunteers each year from delegations from abroad and youth groups. 14 Elegant restaurants are situated in the centers of towns, and serve hot, nourishing meals each day, with 3 courses at every meal. List of Branches: Jerusalem, Tzfat, Dimonah, Sderot, Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malachi, Kiryat Arba, Haifa, Akko, Chatzor, Tiberias, Or Akiva, Be\'er Sheva. 2,400 Guests eat each day in the restaurant chain. 1,200 Meals on Wheels are delivered each day to elderly and handicapped people who are homebound and cannot go to the restaurants. The shipping is handled by volunteers. 5,000 Hot Meals are distributed each day to children of underprivileged families who study in long school-day programs in playgroups, schools, and welfare clubs. 5,000 Food cards are distributed to elderly Holocaust survivors throughout Israel prior to the Holidays (Rosh Hashana & Passover). 30,000 Hot meals will be distributed to children in educational institutions in towns in the Negev each day, starting from the 2010 academic year, through the "Food Factory for Negev Children" program. 800 Food cards are distributed every weekend to underprivileged families in Kiryat Malachi. 8 Welfare Clubs are run in Meir Panim branches during the afternoon hours in cooperation with the Bnai Akiva, Ezra and Hatzofim youth movements. The clubs are run by professional teachers and provide academic reinforcement as well as meals and enrichment. They are accompanied by special parenting schools. The clubs function in the following locations: Acco, Hatzor, Kiryat Gat, Tiberias, Or Akiva and Safed . 3 Clubs for the elderly are run in Meir Panim branches during the morning hours, in the following cities: Acco, Kiryat Arba and Tzfat. The participants enjoy cultural activities such as art, sudy of the Hebrew language and lectures, as well as a hot lunch. 64 Handicapped and emotionally disabled people are currently integrated in rehabilitative work programs in Meir Panim kitchens, in Kiryat Malachi, Dimona and Acco. They assist in preparing and packaging food, and receive a symbolic salary in exchange for their work. The Food Factory for Negev Children will integrate another 150 rehabilitation patients. Can you help? Click here to donate