Saudi initiative begins campaign targeting Ramadan food waste

Volunteers gather to prepare for distribution of food to needy people for iftar and sahoor during Ramadan.

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Etaam initiative has launched a program that aims to discourage food waste during Ramadan.
The campaign, launched in malls under the title “no extravagance in Ramadan,” hopes to encourage families to preserve food.
According to an EcoMENA report, a conservative estimate of around 15 to 25 percent of all food purchased or prepared during Ramadan finds its way to the garbage bin instead of being consumed.
Etaam, the Riyadh-based food bank initiative, said it has extended its projects to encourage food saving and the distribution of leftovers, especially during Ramadan.
Amer bin Abdul Rahman Al-Barjas, executive director of Etaam, said the program encourages food preservation at Ramadan tents, hotels and restaurants.
He said a large number of Saudi volunteers want to work with the association during the month of Ramadan in the field of food preservation, packaging and distribution of iftar and sahoor meals for beneficiaries.