The UAE Bank is aiming to break a world record by distributing 50,000 meals in five hours during the holy month of Ramadan.
The initiative, which is under the supervision of H.H. 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 UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of UAE Food Bank, will provide meals and food parcels to underprivileged individuals and families during Ramadan.
The campaign is implemented by Dubai Municipality, the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) in partnership with a food app-based service called ‘Nefsy.’
Individuals or organizations can donate Iftar meals or food to those in need through the Nefsy app by ordering through the app.
The meals will be given to beneficiaries in cooperation with accredited charities in the UAE and through the Food Bank after mandatory checks are conducted to ensure it is safe for consumption.
“The UAE places the highest priority on the values of giving and tolerance. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s commitment to help those in need and inspire hope has set an example for all of us to seek opportunities to provide aid to disadvantaged people,” Her Highness Sheikha Hind said.
“The campaign provides an opportunity for both citizens and residents to actively partner in an initiative that upholds the UAE’s spirit of philanthropy while also supporting the National Food Security Strategy’s goal of reducing food wastage and redistributing surplus food,” Her Highness added.
Dubai Municipality will oversee the collection and storage of food across its network of fridges in different locations in the UAE, in accordance with the highest standards of health and safety.
The public can also donate food parcels and baskets containing dry foods through the Noon app.
Separate initiatives organised jointly by the Emirates Red Crescent and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority enables individuals to donate food baskets through the Talabat application or Amazon app.
Mexican food brand Old Paso, allows individuals to create their own recipes using surplus ingredients and upload them on a specific app. The brand will then donate a food parcel for each recipe submitted.
In a separate initiative that supports the campaign, Careem is offering to collect safety-checked surplus food from homes and deliver it to the nearest UAE Food Bank fridge.
The campaign is also collaborating with the Food & Beverage Manufacturing Business Group to distribute a number of meals across the UAE as part of its ‘Wafaa’ programme.
