UAE Food Bank's United In Giving Initiative Aims To Provide Seven Million Meals During Ramadan

The UAE Food Bank has introduced the 'United in Giving' initiative, aiming to distribute seven million meals during Ramadan. This effort is guided by H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum and falls under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. The goal is to enhance sustainable food management, reduce waste, and boost community involvement in charitable activities.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank, emphasised that this initiative embodies the UAE's values of generosity and compassion. He stated, "Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, the UAE Food Bank remains committed to collecting, managing, and distributing surplus food to the widest possible number of beneficiaries worldwide. The initiative operates within a sustainable humanitarian framework that ensures the continuity of charitable efforts, alleviates suffering, and strengthens social solidarity. By minimising food waste and loss, the initiative also contributes to positive environmental impact."

The initiative includes three main sub-initiatives: 'Blessing Baskets', 'Zabeel Iftar', and 'Surplus of Good'. 'Blessing Baskets' aims to distribute over 200,000 meals daily through food donations and parcels. 'Zabeel Iftar' provides Iftar meals for more than 3,000 workers. Meanwhile, 'Surplus of Good' educates communities on innovative ways to repurpose surplus food sustainably.

Manal bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team at the UAE Food Bank, explained that meals for 'Blessing Baskets' will be sourced from various contributors like retail stores and restaurants. Surplus cooked and uncooked food from hotels and individuals will also be collected. This distribution process will involve coordination with charitable organisations and partners from both public and private sectors.

The 'Surplus of Good' programme collaborates with Fatafeat TV to promote creative methods for using surplus food. Bin Yaroof noted that six episodes will be produced in five languages: Arabic, English, Amharic, Indonesian, and Urdu. These episodes will feature innovative recipes using surplus food ingredients.

"As part of 'Surplus of Good', we are producing six episodes in five languages – Arabic, English, Amharic, Indonesian, and Urdu – featuring innovative recipes that transform surplus food into nutritious meals," said Bin Yaroof. "These episodes will be professionally produced, incorporating insights from chefs, volunteers, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. By ensuring broad accessibility, we aim to maximise awareness and create a lasting impact in the global fight against food waste."

Strategic Partnerships

The UAE Food Bank plans to expand its strategic partnerships through 12 agreements with government entities and private sector partners. These collaborations align with their 2023–2027 strategic plan focused on launching humanitarian programmes and reducing food wastage through collective efforts.

Efforts include working with initiatives like Al Na'ma Initiative and engaging with various government bodies. Support for local farmers is also a priority along with partnerships with international food bank networks.

This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term solutions for sustainable food management in line with national strategies.

With inputs from WAM