Page 439 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT - MARCH 2024

3/15/24, 11:15 AM UAE Food Bank launches initiative to distribute 5 million meals during Ramadan - Middle East News 247

H.E. 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 prioritizes the value of food
provision. With a focus on managing surplus food, minimizing waste, and distributing food to beneficiaries
around the world, the bank operates within a well-structured institutional framework. These efforts align

seamlessly with the UAE’s core values of kindness and generosity, its commitment to humanitarian work,
and its support for global food security, sustainable development goals, and the fight against hunger.

Al Hajri said: “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 engage in gathering and distributing 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 emphasized 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, aiming to create a positive environmental impact in all campaigns and
initiatives. These efforts also contribute to the broader objectives of reducing carbon emissions and
achieving a 30 per cent reduction in food waste by 2027.

‘Your Iftar is on Us’ initiative

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,

generously donated by more than 50 organizations. The campaign will be organized by seven entities, with
the participation of several volunteers collaborating to ensure its successful implementation.

Donate a Food Parcel Initiative

The goal of ‘Donate a Food Parcel’ initiative is to gather contributions in the form of food parcels through the

purchase of vouchers redeemable at local retail stores. These food parcels are projected to supply up to 1.5
million meals, aligning with the UAE Food Bank’s commitment to ensuring families have sufficient access to

food and actively participate in the fight against hunger.

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