The Mortimer Zuckerman & Abigail Zuckerman Israel Nutrition Center
Background
The situation
of families who live in Israel’s Southern Region, the Negev, is particularly dire. The Negev
has a large number of development towns whose economically-distressed population is
comprised of many new immigrants from Ethiopia and the Former Soviet Union. The rate
of unemployment in the region is swelling due to the closure of many factories and workplaces
and the lack of suitable employment solutions. As a result, the Negev population is
experiencing an overwhelmingly severe economic crisis.
The Israel Nutrition Center will provide a significant and realistic solution that will offer relief
to disadvantaged families in the Negev and throughout the country. The over 100,000
sq. ft. facility will feature a number of welfare services including:
Food production facility
This center will host the largest food production and distribution
facility in Israel, providing up to 30,000 nutritious meals every day to needy schoolchildren,
the patrons of Meir Panim’s Free Restaurants and Meals-on-Wheels for the
homebound and elderly. These high-quality meals will consist of tasty dishes prepared in
conjunction with the renowned Schulz Quality Catering company. By preparing the food in
bulk, in industrial kitchens, the cost per meal is signifi cantly reduced. This allows for more
of the needy population to benefi t from Meir Panim’s food services. The facility will also
house a Free Restaurant, serving nutritious meals to the local needy population.
Vocational Training for the elderly, disabled, and victims of abuse
The facility will be used to provide training courses for the unemployed,
affording them encouragement and new opportunities. Emotionally and developmentally-
disabled individuals will also be given the skills necessary to become active
members of Israeli society.
Power of Giving Warehouse
A large warehouse will supply local residents with access
to donated household items such as furniture, appliances and clothing. The warehouse
will be largely manned by volunteers and will provide the community with the opportunity
to help its own.
After-School Youth Club
The after-school youth club will include comprehensive
children’s programs that offer assistance with homework, values education, sports
and creative clubs, as well as daily nutritious meals and snacks. Parents will have the
opportunity to attend seminars on better parenting, home management and vocational
training. This innovative, multi-faceted program helps needy Israeli families escape the
cycle of poverty, integrate into Israeli society and hope for a brighter future.
The Israel Nutrition Center will further provide local residents with much-needed employment
by creating over 200 new jobs. The projects will operate in conjunction with local
municipalities, educational and welfare services, and the Sacta Rashi Foundation.
About Schulz Quality Catering: Schulz Quality Catering is currently run by Yechiel and his three sons, Oren, Nir, and Chaim, and employs more than 1,000 employees serving over 60,000 meals a day. It provides dining services to more than 85% of Israel's high–tech industry including Amdocs, Orange, Bezeq International, and the Israel Aircraft Industry. In addition, Schulz Quality Catering recently purchased one of Israel's leading gourmet catering businesses and is the exclusive caterer for all of the VIP affairs at the presidential residence.
Schulz Quality Catering employs highly skilled chefs and nutritionists and operates with extremely high standards of cleanliness and professionalism and prides itself on its quality of service, food variety and attentiveness to its clients needs. In 2007, Schulz Quality Catering was awarded the prestigious "Golden Fork" award in recognition of its creative cooking and quality service.
Expected Completion Date: End of 2010
