UAE’s ‘United in Giving’ initiative to distribute 7M meals during Ramadan

The UAE Food Bank has introduced the ‘United in Giving’ initiative, aiming to distribute seven million meals to those in need throughout Ramadan.

This initiative includes three major sub-programs: ‘Blessing Baskets,’ which will distribute over 200,000 meals daily through food donations, parcels and surplus meals; ‘Zabeel Iftar,’ an initiative providing Iftar meals to more than 3,000 workers; and ‘Surplus of Good,’ a campaign focused on educating the community about innovative and sustainable ways to repurpose excess food.

Manal bin Yaroof, Head of the Executive Team at the UAE Food Bank, elaborated on the ‘Blessing Baskets’ initiative, stating that meals will be sourced through donations from retail stores, food establishments, manufacturers, and suppliers. Additionally, surplus cooked and uncooked food from hotels, restaurants, corporate donors and individuals will be gathered and distributed to beneficiaries.

This process will be conducted in collaboration with charitable organizations and public and private sector partners to ensure that food reaches those most in need across the UAE.

She also emphasized that the ‘Zabeel Iftar’ initiative will serve Iftar meals to over 3,000 workers, demonstrating the UAE Food Bank’s dedication to social solidarity and acknowledging the contributions of the blue-collar workforce.

The ‘Surplus of Good’ campaign, a joint effort between the UAE Food Bank and Fatafeat TV, will encourage creative and sustainable ways to utilize surplus food.

Bin Yaroof stated, "As part of 'Surplus of Good', we are producing six episodes in five languages – Arabic, English, Amharic, Indonesian and Urdu – featuring innovative recipes that transform surplus food into nutritious meals. These episodes will be professionally produced, incorporating insights from chefs, volunteers and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. By ensuring broad accessibility, we aim to maximise awareness and create a lasting impact in the global fight against food waste".

To further support its mission, the UAE Food Bank will strengthen its strategic collaborations through 12 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with government bodies, private sector partners, humanitarian organizations, food institutions, hotels and corporate donors.

This initiative aligns with the UAE Food Bank’s 2023–2027 strategic plan, which prioritizes launching humanitarian programs, reducing food wastage through collective action, and supporting national strategies. These efforts include partnerships with the Al Na'ma Initiative, engagement with government bodies, support for local farmers and cooperation with international and Arab food bank networks.

The initiative is carried out under the leadership and supervision of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai and Supreme Chairperson of the UAE Food Bank.

As part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, this effort seeks to promote sustainable food management, minimize waste and encourage community involvement in charitable activities.