1/5 of Israelis cut back on food since economic crisis began — survey

More than half of Israelis are concerned they won’t be able to cover their monthly expenses, and one-fifth have cut back on the amount of food they consume in the wake of the financial crisis created by the pandemic, according to a survey by the Central Bureau of Statistics.

It finds a 9 percent increase in the number of Israelis concerned they can’t pay their monthly bills since a similar survey in May.

The survey says that 21% of respondents say they or their family members are buying less food or eating less since the pandemic began.

The CBS survey also finds high levels of anxiety among the public — 42% — up 11% since May. Another 21% experience feelings of depression, and 19% report they are lonely.

Among those 65 and over, 38% say they’re anxious, 24% say they’re lonely, and 20% say they’re depressed.