The UAE Food Bank has initiated the ‘United in Giving’ program, aiming to deliver seven million meals to those in need throughout the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative operates under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum and is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). The program focuses on promoting sustainable food management, reducing waste, and encouraging community involvement in charitable activities.

The ‘United in Giving’ initiative includes three main components. The first, named ‘Blessing Baskets’, plans to distribute over 200,000 meals daily through food donations, parcels, and surplus meals. The second component, ‘Zabeel Iftar’, will provide Iftar meals for more than 3,000 workers, while the third, ‘Surplus of Good’, aims to educate the community on innovative ways to repurpose surplus food.

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank, expressed that the ‘United in Giving’ initiative exemplifies the UAE’s values of generosity and compassion. He stated that it serves as a call for individuals and institutions to contribute to the welfare of the community. This initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focusing on establishing the UAE as a leader in humanitarian efforts and fostering a culture of giving and social responsibility.

Under Her Highness Sheikha Hind’s leadership, the UAE Food Bank is dedicated to collecting, managing, and distributing surplus food effectively. The initiative is designed within a sustainable humanitarian framework to ensure ongoing charitable efforts and to alleviate suffering while promoting social solidarity. Additionally, it aims to minimize food waste, thereby contributing positively to the environment.

The ‘Blessing Baskets’ component will gather meals through donations from retail stores, food establishments, and individuals, while surplus food from hotels and restaurants will also be collected. This effort will be coordinated with charitable organizations and public and private sector partners to ensure that food reaches those who need it most across the UAE.

Through the ‘Zabeel Iftar’ initiative, the UAE Food Bank will provide meals for over 3,000 workers, showcasing the organization’s commitment to social responsibility and acknowledging the essential contributions of the blue-collar workforce. The ‘Surplus of Good’ program, in collaboration with Fatafeat TV, will encourage creative, sustainable methods for repurposing excess food.

To further its goals, the UAE Food Bank plans to establish 12 cooperation agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with various government entities, private sector partners, humanitarian organizations, and food institutions, enhancing its network of support during this significant initiative.