DUBAI: The UAE Food Bank has launched the ‘United in Giving’ initiative, aiming to provide seven million meals to those in need during Ramadan. The initiative, led by H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, promoting sustainable food management and reducing waste.
The initiative features three key programmes: ‘Blessing Baskets’, which distributes over 200,000 meals daily, ‘Zabeel Iftar’, providing Iftar meals for 3,000 workers, and ‘Surplus of Good’, an awareness campaign on repurposing surplus food.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Vice Chairman of the UAE Food Bank, highlighted the initiative’s role in reinforcing the UAE’s values of generosity and compassion. “This effort strengthens social solidarity, alleviates suffering, and supports environmental sustainability by minimising food waste,” he stated.
Manal bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team at the UAE Food Bank, explained that meals for ‘Blessing Baskets’ will come from food donations, retail stores, restaurants, and individuals. The distribution will be coordinated with charities and public-private partnerships to ensure food reaches those in need.
The ‘Zabeel Iftar’ initiative will provide meals for thousands of workers, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to social responsibility. Meanwhile, ‘Surplus of Good’, in collaboration with Fatafeat TV, will produce six episodes in five languages, showcasing creative ways to transform surplus food into nutritious meals.
To enhance its impact, the UAE Food Bank is expanding its partnerships through 12 new agreements with government bodies, private firms, and humanitarian organisations. The initiative aligns with the UAE Food Bank’s 2023–2027 strategy, fostering collective action to reduce food waste and support national sustainability goals.
