UAE Food Bank launches initiative to distribute 3m meals, achieve zero food waste in Ramadan

DUBAI: The UAE Food Bank has launched initiatives to provide 3 million meals and food parcels to disadvantaged people in the UAE and abroad during Ramadan, the Emirates’ News Agency reported on Wednesday.
Besides distributing the donated meals, the initiatives are aimed at managing food surplus, reducing waste, and providing sustenance to those in need, both within and beyond the UAE.
In affiliation with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Global Initiatives and in collaboration with various partners, the UAE Food Bank announced the initiatives for the holy month under the directives of its chairperson Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum.
The organization also seeks to raise public awareness regarding the crucial goal of achieving zero food waste.
Deputy chairperson Dawoud Al-Hajjri emphasised the organization’s commitment to its humanitarian message of serving the needy.
“Through its diverse initiatives, the UAE Food Bank aims to promote these values globally, in accordance with its vision and mission of managing food surplus, reducing waste, and delivering food to beneficiaries locally and worldwide,” Al-Hajjri said.
The initiatives will foster social responsibility and collaboration between the bank, its partners, and members of society.
“The projects’ ultimate goals are to provide food to as many people in need as possible, while minimizing waste, reflecting the bank’s mission to manage food surplus and ensure its delivery to beneficiaries, locally and globally,” said Al-Hajjri.
Manal bin Yaarouf, chairperson of the steering committee, outlined the bank’s plans for Ramadan, highlighting the critical role of cooperation between all food enterprises.
“The bank will work with these partners to gather 3 million meals, which will be transported to the bank and then sent outside the UAE in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent. Hotels and iftar tents will also play a vital role in collecting any surplus food, and authorities will work together to identify the optimal time and location to deliver this food to the bank and charitable organizations,” said bin Yaarouf.
She also emphasised the crucial role of engagement with the private sector, highlighting the bank’s plans to strengthen its collaboration with recycling businesses that convert food unfit for human consumption into oils and agricultural fertilizers to support sustainability and protect the environment.
Bin Yaarouf said the bank also launched the “Your harees on us” initiative in collaboration with Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department to promote social responsibility and volunteering among community members.
“The initiative encourages restaurants to reserve at least one portion of harees, a traditional Emirati dish, and distribute it to iftar tents. This initiative aims to foster the values of giving and generosity,” she said.