UAE Food Bank Gives Surplus Food To The Needy

Since it was introduced in 2017, the philanthropic organization UAE Food Bank (UAEFB) has distributed 27,462 tons of food to different people in need. This charity initiative lasted as long as the organization, aiding beneficiaries till the close of 2020. Out of the total, 9086 tones had been given in 2020 alone.

Structure Of UAE Food Bank

The UAEFB succeeded in giving away excess food to deprived people. This was done by signing 112 contracts and MoUs and cooperating with other countries and food banks. Partnering with other institutions in the area made it easier to ensure that the food was safely and properly distributed. The UAE Food Bank presently has 3 of its divisions in Dubai and one in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah each. It functions through an integrated network of partners which requires the involvement of stakeholders such as donors, supervisory organs, humanitarian and voluntary associations, and coordinating bodies for maximum competence.

For amassing and storing this excessive food, 144 refrigerators have been kept aside, with 84 of them being in Dubai. This helped in the distribution of the food across various localities. The food bank collaborated with other UAE-based charitable organizations, as well as restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, farms, food factories, suppliers, and caterers to gather the extra food. Food shipments are often donated right to any of the branches of the UAE Food Bank.

The Cause

Dawoud Al Hajri, Vice-Chairman, Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank, and Director-General of Dubai Municipality added to this. He said that the Food Bank is attempting to bring to fruition the requests of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank. She has insisted that the wastage of food be cut down by giving the leftover food to those in need. This can be done through the Food Bank’s different channels and their partnership with other philanthropic organizations.

The UAE Food Bank has organized 127 awareness programs on the importance of bringing down food wastage and efficiently managing excess food. Through these educational workshops and training sessions for volunteers, people are being trained on how to pack and store food according to the guidelines. Most importantly, everyone is encouraged to be mindful when it comes to food and its wastage.

Recent Developments

Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, workers at the Food Bank are taking special care to keep up with the health and safety regulations when it comes to collecting, storing, and distributing food. Hygiene is always a must but especially considering the present condition, the food is always carried in a sterilized mode of transport. They would even deliver this straight to labor quarters as well as its supervisors as part of the Covid related precautionary protocol.

Al Hajri also added that the food had lately been distributed to other countries as well, such as Lebanon and Sudan. Therefore, the Food Bank’s doings may be carried out outside of UAE. The number of its subdivisions is predicted to increase and cover all of the emirates.