DUBAI // Leading figures in charity and hospitality on Wednesday threw their weight behind the Food Bank initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
The new non-profit charitable organisation will distribute food to those in need in the UAE and the region, and aims to eliminate food waste.
Sheikh Mohammed's wife, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, will chair its board of trustees. Some countries were facing famine and the international community must intensify efforts to tackle it, she said.
- Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 4, 2017
The Food Bank campaign will work with local authorities and charities to introduce an efficient system of food storage, packaging and distribution. The plan is to gather unwanted food from supermarkets, hotels and restaurants and put it to good use.
On Wednesday, the Jumeirah Group, Dubai's international luxury hotel chain with properties throughout the UAE, Europe and Asia, threw its high-profile support behind the campaign.
Dubai World Trade Centre announced a partnership with the Food Bank to donate surplus food from events there.
Abdulhamid Alomar, chief executive of Talabat, the online food ordering service, said his organisation was also keen to be part of the initiative.
"Not only is the UAE Food Bank initiative a notable humanitarian effort, it's also a monumental step in the right direction for the UAE and the region," he said. "Talabat would absolutely want to be a part of this initiative and support in any way we can."
Dar Al Ber Society, a prominent charity, said the UAE had become a leader in charitable activities.
Such activities targeted all deprived and crisis-hit areas regardless of religion, culture, language and ethnic background, said Khalfan Al Mazrouei, the organisation's chairman.
"Dar Al Ber is fully geared up and pledges to chip in and support the promising scheme through a variety of programmes and projects," he said.
Dubai Police also welcomed the Food Bank, and said officers already distributed meals to labourers.
Brig Ahmed Rafih, the force's director of human resources, said it would launch six initiatives to support the Year of Giving and the UAE Food Bank.
The Food Bank was launched on the anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed's accession as Ruler of Dubai 11 years ago, an event he wanted to mark with charity drives rather than celebrating his achievements.
Mohammed Osman, of Al Ihsan Charity Association in Ajman, said the campaign would help those who need it most.
"We already have programmes to help those less fortunate and, on a daily basis, the charity gives out bread and juice, as well as meals," he said.
"This initiative reflects positively on the country and its people, citizens and residents."
Dubai Municipality will provide operational support by implementing an internationally standardised process of food collection, packaging, storage and distribution. Volunteers will be trained on health and safety standards and provide support at Food Bank locations.
Hussein Lootah, director general of the municipality, said it already operated Heafz Al Na'mah, which seeks to regulate the process of collection, processing and distribution of surplus food from events in hotels, weddings, farm houses, restaurants and homes.
"They are distributed to needy families and individuals, in collaboration with charity organisations and hotels," he said.
The ultimate goal is for Dubai to be the first city in the region to achieve zero food waste.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
