Ramadan is a time of reflection, generosity, and giving back to the community. The UAE Food Bank has taken this spirit to heart, distributing an impressive two million meals in just the first 10 days of Ramadan. This is part of the larger United in Giving campaign, which aims to provide seven million meals across the UAE and beyond during the holy month.
A Campaign Rooted in Generosity
The United in Giving campaign was launched under the directive of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. It is a collective effort to ensure that those in need receive proper meals throughout Ramadan, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to generosity and compassion.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, vice chairman of the board of trustees of the UAE Food Bank, emphasized that this initiative is a call for individuals, institutions, and philanthropists to unite in helping millions of people.
How is the Food Being Distributed?
The campaign is structured into three main initiatives, ensuring that food reaches people efficiently and sustainably:
1. Blessing Baskets
This initiative is focused on daily food donations, distributing over 200,000 meals per day. The meals come in various forms, including food parcels, cooked meals, and surplus food from donors.
2. Zabeel Iftar
Under this project, more than 3,000 workers receive nutritious meals daily, ensuring that laborers who contribute to the UAE’s development also experience the generosity of Ramadan.
3. Surplus of Good
A unique initiative in collaboration with Fatafeat TV, this campaign educates people on sustainable food practices. It focuses on repurposing surplus food and turning it into nutritious meals.
Surplus food—both cooked and uncooked—is collected from hotels, restaurants, corporate donors, and households. These donations are carefully managed and redistributed to beneficiaries through a network of charitable organizations and public-private partnerships.
Spreading Awareness Through Cooking Shows
To further highlight the importance of reducing food waste, the Surplus of Good initiative includes a six-episode cooking series available in five languages: Arabic, English, Amharic, Indonesian, and Urdu.
These professionally produced episodes feature chefs, volunteers, and people from diverse backgrounds sharing creative ways to transform leftover food into delicious and nutritious meals. This effort not only helps those in need but also encourages sustainable food consumption practices on a broader scale.
A Lasting Impact on Food Sustainability
The UAE Food Bank’s efforts go beyond just providing meals—they inspire a shift in how communities view food consumption and waste management. As Manal bin Yaroof, head of the executive team at the UAE Food Bank, stated, the Surplus of Good initiative aims to educate, inspire, and create a lasting impact in the fight against food waste.
With millions of meals already distributed and a goal of seven million meals in total, the United in Giving campaign is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to compassion, sustainability, and community welfare.
Final Thoughts
Ramadan is a time of unity and generosity, and the UAE Food Bank’s efforts exemplify this spirit. From daily food distributions to educational campaigns, this initiative is changing lives and setting an example for sustainable food practices worldwide.
If you’d like to contribute, consider supporting the UAE Food Bank or joining efforts to reduce food waste in your own community. Every meal counts, and together, we can make a difference.
