UAE to provide 8 mn meals redistributing surplus food during Ramadan

Dubai: The UAE Food Bank has announced the launch of its Ramadan campaign with an ambitious target of distributing eight million meals to beneficiaries within the country and overseas. The initiative seeks to redistribute surplus food while reinforcing the spirit of generosity and community solidarity during the holy month, according to ARN News.

Branded as “Bank of Goodness in the Month of Giving”, the campaign is designed to curb food waste and promote charitable values across society. It includes five key initiatives aimed at expanding outreach and encouraging public participation.

Under the “Charity Fridge” programme, refrigerators will be installed in residential neighbourhoods to enable residents to safely donate surplus iftar and suhoor meals. The “My Home Without Waste” initiative aims to raise awareness about responsible food storage and reduce household waste during Ramadan.

Meanwhile, “Meer Al Khair” will distribute essential food parcels to families in need, ensuring that vulnerable groups receive necessary supplies. The “Zabeel Iftar” initiative will organise a large-scale collective iftar for workers, fostering inclusion and shared celebration. In addition, the “Recycle, Re-life” programme will redirect edible surplus food to beneficiaries and convert non-edible waste into compost.

Officials said the campaign aligns with the UAE’s national food security objectives and supports efforts to build a circular economy. By improving the management of surplus food, the initiative also aims to lower carbon emissions associated with food waste.

The UAE Food Bank has called on community members and volunteers to actively participate throughout Ramadan, from food collection to distribution, to maximise the campaign’s reach and ensure assistance is delivered to as many beneficiaries as possible.