UAE Food Bank achieves notable milestones in 2023

The UAE Food Bank, which is under the umbrella of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, announced its annual results for 2023, highlighting impactful programs and initiatives that benefited more than 18.6 million people worldwide .

Established with the goal of distributing surplus food to those in need and reducing food waste, the UAE Food Bank received support from 800 donors in 2023, including local and international charities and food establishments. That same year, the Bank organized 105 awareness programs, in which almost 9,843 people and 1,800 volunteers participated.

Furthermore, the UAE Food BankThe company’s annual results revealed that it received approximately AED 14.7 million in funding and had a significant positive environmental impact by diverting 6,000 tonnes of food from landfills. In line with its goal of achieving a 30% reduction in food waste by 2027, these efforts contributed to reducing environmental pollution and emissions associated with food waste.

Dawoud Al Hajri, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Food Banksaid the Bank’s results for 2023 are a testament to the guidelines and monitoring of Her Highness 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 United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Arab Emirates Food Bank.

The Bank’s mission is to provide food to beneficiaries by efficiently managing surplus food and reducing waste, adhering to organized and sustainable principles and ensuring the highest quality delivery to beneficiaries around the world, he said.

“The UAE Food Bank operates as part of a long-term plan that seeks to provide food to beneficiaries through humanitarian initiatives and programs. This commitment guarantees both sustainability and the delivery of high-quality food. Positioned as a globally recognized food bank, the UAE Food Bank operates under a strong and sustainable framework, supporting the UAE’s ambition to lead the Global Food Security Index by 2051, in line with the objectives of the National Strategy of Food Security 2051”.

Al-Hajri saying.

Manal Bin Yaroof, head of the executive team at the UAE Food Bank, highlighted that the results for 2023 exceeded the performance indicators by 100% of the set goals. The Bank distributed more than 18.6 million meals, exceeding the goal of 12 million meals. In addition, the percentage of volunteers participating in the bank’s initiatives and activities exceeded 100%, with the participation of 1,800 volunteers.

Throughout the year, the Food Bank collected a diverse range of foods, including fruits and vegetables, prepared meals, rice, wheat and their derivatives, pasta, meats, dairy products, cheeses, other grocery products, chocolate and water.

During the same year, the UAE Food Bank participated in a variety of local and international events with a focus on humanitarian work, charity, sustainability and the environment. The Bank acted as a gold partner at the First Global Grace Preservation Conference and participated in major events such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), the Gulf Food Expo (Gulfood), the Dubai International Food Safety and Food Industry. Forum.

He UAE Food BankIts wide range of initiatives and programs have positioned it as a leading contributor to humanitarian activities on a global scale. In collaboration with partners, the Bank actively participated in numerous humanitarian projects and initiatives, with the aim of providing relief and assistance to people in need around the world.

As part of the earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria, the UAE Food Bank delivered approximately 293 tons of food to the Emirates Red Crescent. Additionally, she provided aid in the form of 54 tons of food to Libya following the floods and contributed another 60 tons as part of the ‘Compassion for Gaza’ aid campaign.

In 2023, the UAE Food Bank signed more than 32 strategic partnerships with public and private sector institutions, humanitarian organizations, charities and food establishments. These partnerships include 25 agreements focused on providing surplus food, three collaborations dedicated to reducing food waste and contributing funds, and one agreement dedicated to recycling food waste.

Aligned with the 2023-2027 strategic plan, the UAE Food Bank implements humanitarian initiatives and activities while addressing food waste reduction through partnerships aimed at efficiently managing food surpluses. Furthermore, it contributes to the National Food Security Strategy 2051 collaborating to support local farmers and expanding the bank’s footprint globally. The Bank also establishes partnerships for the evaluation and implementation of various consultation plans and collaborates extensively with a diverse network of Arab and international food banks.

From its beginning in 2017 until the end of 2023, the UAE Food Bank has distributed more than 68 million meals, which is equivalent to 60,000 tons of surplus food distributed. In addition, it organized 367 events, workshops and campaigns, forged collaborations with 232 strategic partners and formalized five Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with regional food banks.

News source: Emirates News Agency