Over 18.6 million people receive benefits: UAE Food Bank announces annual results for 2023

The UAE Food Bank – falling under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives – has announced its annual results for 2023, shining light on programmes and initiatives that touched the lives of over 18.6 million people across the globe.

Since its inception in 2017 until the end of 2023, the prominent bank has distributed more than 68 million meals. In addition, it has also organised 367 events, forging collaborations with 232 strategic partners and formalising five MoUs with regional food banks.

UAE’s aim to lead Global Food Security Index by 2051

The UAE Food Bank seeks to distribute surplus food to those in need and reduce food waste. Last year, it received support from 800 donors, including local and international charitable organisations and food establishments, as per the Emirates News Agency.

The same year, it organised 105 awareness programmes, involving 1,800 volunteers. Furthermore, it received about Dh14.7 million in funds and made a significant positive environmental impact by diverting 6,000 tonnes of food from landfills.

The UAE Food Bank’s goal to achieve a 30% reduction in food waste by 2027 helps considerably lower environmental pollution. It adheres to organised and sustainable principles, and ensures the highest quality delivery to beneficiaries across different countries.

The globally recognised food bank functions under a robust and sustainable framework, supporting the UAE’s ambition to lead the Global Food Security Index by 2051, said Dawoud Al Hajri, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank.

UAE Food Bank engaging in local and international events

Interestingly, the 2023 results suggest the UAE Food Bank distributed more than 18.6 million meals in the year, comfortably exceeding the target of 12 million meals. In addition, the percentage of volunteers participating in initiatives and activities surpassed 100%.

Throughout the year, the bank collected different food items, including fruits and vegetables, rice, wheat and its derivatives, pasta, meat, dairy products, cheese products, other grocery items, chocolate, prepared meals and water, helping millions of people on the planet.

It also engaged in several local and international events. It served as a golden partner at the Grace Preservation First Global Conference and took part in the COP28 summit, Gulf Food Exhibition (Gulfood), Dubai International Food Safety Conference and Food Industry Forum.

A leading global contributor to humanitarian initiatives

The UAE Good Bank’s initiatives and programmes have made it a prominent global contributor to humanitarian activities. The bank has actively engaged in numerous humanitarian projects, aiming to provide relief and assistance to people in need.

The UAE Food Bank delivered around 293 tonnes of food to the Emirates Red Crescent, in response to the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. It also offered Libya 54 tonnes of food items following floods, and contributed 60 tonnes as part of the ‘Compassion for Gaza‘ campaign.

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