Page 375 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT - MARCH 2024

with the Workers.' Additionally, 25 educational programmes will be implemented to raise
awareness of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and volunteering.

Anticipating widespread support, the bank expects more than 350 strategic partners and
supporters from food facilities, hotels, and companies.

Over 5,000 volunteers will support the bank's initiatives throughout Ramadan. The bank
will also sign five partnership agreements to strengthen its efforts in efficiently managing
surplus food and minimising waste in cooperation with the private sector.

Dawoud Al Hajri, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank,
underscored the significance of the bank's initiatives during the holy month of Ramadan,
highlighting the bank's role as a comprehensive humanitarian system and a pioneering
global institution that prioritises the value of food provision.

Al Hajri added, "With these initiatives, our objective is to promote responsible food
management and reduce food waste. We further aspire to cultivate a sense of social
responsibility, encourage volunteerism, and actively gather and distribute financial and
food donations to beneficiaries. Our efforts are aimed at instilling values of compassion,
generosity, and solidarity within the community, ensuring the efficient distribution of
surplus food to the widest possible segment during the holy month of Ramadan."

Al Hajri emphasised the bank's goal to divert 975 tons of food waste, away from landfills
during Ramadan, equivalent to planting 102,135 trees annually. This commitment aligns
with the bank's dedication to environmental sustainability, and contribute to the broader
objectives of reducing carbon emissions and achieving a 30 percent reduction in food
waste by 2027.

Within the framework of 'Your Iftar is on Us' initiative, the UAE Food Bank is set to
gather meals for distribution to beneficiaries both within and outside the UAE. This
initiative aims to provide 350,000 meals, donated by more than 50 organisations. The
campaign will be organised by seven entities, with the participation of several
volunteers.

The 'Donate a Food Parcel' initiative aims to gather contributions in the form of food
parcels by purchasing vouchers redeemable at local retail stores. These food parcels
are projected to supply up to 1.5 million meals.

The UAE Food Bank is also organising an initiative focused on providing iftar meals to
over 2,000 workers in Dubai. The primary goal of this initiative is to foster community

https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2024/03/15/UAE-Food-Bank-launches-initiative-to-distribute-5-
million-meals-during-Ramadan