Discover Israel’s rich history and make a meaningful impact. Ideal for both first-time and experienced visitors. Spend an immersion week with multiple IDF units providing delicious meals to thankful IDF soldiers.  Also enjoy private all-day guided touring of Israel’s compelling historic and not so familiar sites. No Hebrew required! 

What Are The Activities?

VFI Feed the Soldiers is a 9-day program comprised of 5 days volunteering in uniform and 4 days touring or travel.  The program begins on a Friday and ends on a Saturday. This program has an upper age limit for participation of 79 years old, and the level of physical activities is moderate.

This program provides a comprehensive learning and IDF experience.  Learn food preparation, cooking, and serving using state-of-the-art mobile kitchens.  Travel daily to different army bases, meeting new faces and enjoy serving traditional meals to IDF soldiers.  Reside on an IDF base at the new Jerusalem training center for 5 nights.

What is the Mission?

“Make A Soldier Smile”: What a heartwarming initiative!  A unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with Israeli soldiers.  Depart daily from the Jerusalem base stopping at different IDF bases. The mission:  work with experienced professionals to set up “pop-up” kitchens in the field to prepare and serve delicious hot meals.  Imagine cooking fresh falafel, burgers, schnitzels, shawarma, and BBQs in mobile kitchens exclusively for IDF soldiers—what an adventure!

This program isn’t just about food—it’s about connecting, showing gratitude, immersion, and creating lasting memories.

Building bonds of friendship between themselves, the IDF, and Israel.  It’s a way to say “Thank you for your service” to the brave soldiers who protect the land and its people.

The volunteer recognition ceremony honors volunteers with a certificate honoring your efforts.  Depart with memories, friendships, and the satisfaction of making IDF soldiers smile.

Ready to make a difference? Complete our email form to learn more about this program.

Dates and Fees

Program Dates

The future dates of trips in the VFI Feed the Soldiers Program are:

For each program date to run, we must have a minimum of 10 volunteers. We will not forward your application for IDF security review until we have 10 applicants for that date. 

Program Fees

The all-Inclusive fee for this 9-day program bundles major costs including hotel nights, all transportation in an air-conditioned bus, most food, all-day touring, entrance fees, private tour guide, tours, lectures, and gratuities.

For double occupancy at hotels, the fee is $2,480.  A supplement for single occupancy is $260.  Each fee is subject to hotel room availability, and requires a group size of at least 10 to a maximum of 14 participants. 

Fees are based on the complete, 9-day all-inclusive program with a minimum group size of 10 volunteers and a maximum of 14. Fees are subject to adjustment for changes in local policy.

As a non-profit organization, VFI is committed to offering  premium volun-touring experiences at the lowest possible price.  Due to fluctuations in the dollar-shekel exchange rate and other economic factors, it may be necessary to occasionally increase trip fees above those published at the time of your deposit.  We will make every attempt to ensure that fee increases are minimal and infrequent.

How to Register for the Feed the Soldiers Program

Complete VFI Application and Submit Deposit

To reserve your space in a program, submit a completed application which includes making a $500 refundable deposit. This deposit will be applied toward the final cost. VFI is a 501(c)3 non-profit so part of your payment may be tax-deductible. Please consult your financial advisor.

Travel Documents

• Passport: Traveling in Israel requires a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your arrival date
• NEW VISA Requirement: All non-Israeli visitors to Israel must have a valid visa or ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) before they start their trip. The ETA-IL is valid for two years and multiple trips of 90 days or less. The cost is 25 NIS (about $7.00) per person and obtained by online application at: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/

Insurance

VFI requires individual medical coverage while in Israel. Medicare generally does not cover medical care outside the U.S., so you should confirm with your insurer whether your policy includes coverage for treatment in Israel. VFI strongly recommends obtaining trip cancellation insurance which may also include medical coverage*.

*For more information, see the Q&A on our Resources webpage.

EVP Clearance

Because this program requires access to multiple IDF sites, it has special security requirements including an IDF security background check and a personal interview by the Emergency Volunteers Project (EVP).

An EVP representative will be contacting you to arrange the interview via in-person, zoom, telephone, or other means. YOUR FINAL ACCEPTANCE HINGES ON THE RESULTS OF YOUR SECURITY BACKGROUND CHECK AND INTERVIEW.

Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Group size is limited, and a waitlist is maintained for fully subscribed programs.

Fill out the form below to request more information about all our Vol-Tour opportunities.

RESERVATIONS ON A FIRST-COME BASIS