Dubai: The UAE Food Bank has announced the launch of its 'Bank of Goodness in the Month of Giving' campaign, under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Supreme Chairperson of the UAE Food Bank. This initiative aims to distribute eight million meals from surplus food to beneficiaries within the UAE and internationally during Ramadan.
According to Emirates News Agency, the campaign is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and will be executed through five distinct initiatives: 'Charity Fridge', 'My Home Without Waste', 'Meer Al Khair', 'Zabeel Iftar', and 'Recycle, Re-life'. These initiatives form a cohesive and sustainable framework for managing surplus food. The campaign aligns with the UAE Food Bank's mission to operate as a sustainable humanitarian system, emphasizing the reduction of food waste and efficient delivery of surplus food based on high-quality standards.
The campaign supports global hunger relief efforts, aligns with UAE's national priorities for food security, and contributes to the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051. It also promotes the circular economy and aims to reduce food waste and carbon emissions, thereby creating a positive environmental impact. Manal bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team at the UAE Food Bank, stated that the campaign is a testament to the UAE's commitment to humanitarian work and reflects the country's values of generosity and solidarity.
This year's campaign focuses on enhancing surplus food management through strategic partnerships with public and private sectors and encourages community and volunteer participation in the processes of food collection, sorting, and distribution. The 'Charity Fridge' initiative, for instance, involves placing food refrigerators in residential neighborhoods, allowing individuals and organizations to donate surplus food safely and efficiently.
The 'My Home Without Waste' initiative raises awareness about food preservation through practical advice from leading chef influencers, encouraging sustainable consumption habits. The 'Meer Al Khair' initiative supports families in need with essential food parcels, while the 'Zabeel Iftar' provides meals for workers at Zabeel Park, promoting social responsibility.
Additionally, the 'Recycle, Re-life' initiative, in collaboration with the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative 'Ne'ma', focuses on converting non-edible food into organic compost, supporting the circular economy and reducing carbon emissions. The campaign underscores the UAE Food Bank's dedication to fostering partnerships, raising awareness about food preservation, and empowering societal contributions to humanitarian efforts, thereby supporting sustainable development locally and globally.
