Pantry Packers is the food distribution arm of Tzedakah Central/Colel Chabad, the oldest continuously operating network of social services in Israel – established in 1788.

Every month Pantry Packers delivers crates containing all the necessary foods and household maintenance supplies to Israel’s poorest families and senior citizens. Every recipient is screened and selected on a non-discriminatory basis by the social services departments of local municipalities without regard to gender, ethnic background, or degree of religious observance. Pantry Packers maintains a packing plant in Jerusalem where visitors may partner in its efforts by helping pack food staples which are then included in the Pantry Packers crates.

Tens of thousands of caring tourists flock to Israel every year seeking an inspiring, spiritual experience.  Pantry Packers plant in Jerusalem adds a whole new dimension to the experience by enabling visitors of all ages to become part of its active food distribution program.

The Pantry Packers program provides visitors with a 90 minute program that begins with a video on the true meaning of Tzedakah. The volunteers then join an assembly line that bags and vacuum seals dried staples, such as beans and lentils. These are sent to the Colel Chabad food distribution warehouse to be included in the monthly food baskets distributed to needy households throughout Israel.

Since 2013 over 3 million bags have been packed and distributed.