Dubai, UAE – Under the guidance and supervision of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the UAE Food Bank Foundation, the bank – one of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives – launched the “Food Bank in the Month of Giving” campaign. The campaign aims to provide 8 million meals from surplus food and deliver them to those in need both within the UAE and abroad during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The campaign includes five main initiatives: “The Fridge of Goodness,” “My Home Without Waste,” “The Goodness Food Port,” “Zabeel Iftar,” and “Recycle, Relife.” These initiatives are part of an integrated system for managing surplus food according to sustainable corporate standards.
Sustainable humanitarian system
The campaign aligns with the bank’s vision to promote the values of giving and solidarity, and to reduce food waste by managing and distributing surplus food with high quality. This supports global efforts to combat hunger and is consistent with the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051. It also contributes to supporting the circular economy and reducing carbon emissions from food waste.
Manal Bin Yaarouf, Head of the Executive Team at the UAE Food Bank Foundation, affirmed that the campaign reflects the leadership’s vision of establishing humanitarian work as a core value in the development process. It also enhances the UAE and Dubai’s standing in the field of philanthropy globally.
“The Refrigerator of Goodness” to promote community solidarity
The “Fridge of Goodness” initiative is a key component of the campaign, aiming to reduce food waste by providing food refrigerators in residential neighborhoods in coordination with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. This allows individuals and organizations to donate surplus breakfast meals in an organized and safe manner.
“My Home Without Waste” to spread the culture of preserving blessings
The “My Home Without Waste” initiative focuses on educating families about methods of preserving, storing, and reusing food, through practical content presented by expert chefs. This campaign aims to instill responsible consumption patterns and reduce food waste within homes.
“Mir Al-Khair” to support deserving families
The “Mir Al Khair” initiative aims to distribute Ramadan food parcels containing essential items to needy families. This contributes to enhancing food security and embodying the values of compassion and solidarity during the holy month, with the participation of partners and volunteers.
Zabeel Iftar and the Recycle, Relife initiative
The bank also organizes the “Zaabeel Iftar” to provide communal meals for workers in Zaabeel Park, fostering a spirit of giving and social responsibility.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the bank is launching the “Recycle, Relife” initiative in collaboration with the national initiative to reduce food loss and waste, “Ne’ma.” This initiative will collect surplus food from hotels for redistribution to those in need, while food unfit for consumption will be composted in coordination with the company “Eccycles.” This supports the circular economy and reduces carbon emissions.
The campaign underscores the UAE Food Bank’s commitment to expanding its strategic partnerships both locally and globally, empowering the community to contribute to volunteer work. This creates a sustainable humanitarian impact both within the UAE and internationally.
