The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation launched the second UAE Food Bank at Al Bada near the Canadian University yesterday Oct. 16.
Under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the project partnered with four charity organizations and 13 food companies including hotels, farms, factories and supermarkets to provide surplus food for disadvantaged communities.
“It is also a social responsibility and promotes volunteerism by encouraging institutions and people to engage in the Bank’s activities to collect excess food from the concerned organizations and distribute it to the needy and the deserving,” Hussain Nasser Lootah, Dubai Municipality Director General and UAE Food Bank Deputy Chairman, said.
According to the MBRGI, food waste in the UAE means Dh13 billion a year goes to waste as well.
Aligned with this initiative, the Dubai Municipality makes sure the food bank’s supplies pass food safety standards.
The first UAE Food Bank in Al Quoz has already gathered 136 tons of food.
Plans for a third food bank in Al Muhaisnah are underway.
Sources: Emirates News Agency, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives