‘A thousand blessings’: How the UAE Food Bank is a lifeline for people in need

 

The UAE Food Bank was established in 2017 with the aim of reducing food waste and supporting those in need. It works with hotels, farms, supermarkets and other food providers to collect surplus items that would otherwise go to landfill. Through partnerships with charities across the country, the Food Bank is able to redistribute this food and deliver over 70 million meals to date. Their efforts have a huge impact, especially during Ramadan when initiatives ramp up. One major program is "One Thousand Meals," which sees chefs prepare large quantities of hot iftar meals in places like Zabeel Park to feed workers breaking their fasts.

 Stories from beneficiaries show just how vital the Food Bank's work is. Low-wage laborers like Ahmed Hussain and Ishan Khan rely on iftar distributions to sustain themselves while sending money home to their families in Pakistan and Bangladesh. With salaries sometimes insufficient, the meals provide needed support. Delivery rider Alam appreciates the assistance even more during summer, when work is scarce and he gets tired and hungry. Across workers' accommodations, meal deliveries and stocked community fridges act as a lifeline for those struggling to afford food.

The Food Bank collaborates extensively with partners to maximize their impact. Hotels, farms, supermarkets and more donate surplus edibles that would otherwise go to waste. Charities then help identify communities most in need and ensure the food reaches them. Initiatives like community fridges and year-round meal distributions for laborers demonstrate the ongoing success of this model in fighting both hunger and food waste to support a more sustainable, compassionate UAE.