The UAE Food Bank Is The Most Positive Thing To Combat Wastage That Has Been Done In A Long Time
Following on HH Sheikh Mohammed’s assertion that 2017 is the year of giving, he has announced the UAE food bank today. He choose to announce this on the 4th of January, accession day. The Food Bank is essentially an ‘ecosystem improving the efficiency of food storage, packaging and distribution. It will partner with food producers such as hotels, restaurants and supermarkets and farms to store and package excess fresh food effectively’. That should go some way to putting an end to all the waste we see so often and large events and brunches in Dubai.
‘…most basic human needs’
“the Year of Giving provides a golden opportunity for UAE citizens and institutions to maximize their philanthropic potential by launching humanitarian initiatives. We chose “food” as our first initiative as it is one of the most basic human needs. Through the UAE Food Bank, we aim to instill the value of giving deep in the hearts of our people.”
UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Launched under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation (MBRGI)
We hope the spirit of generosity spreads in and beyond the UAE through ambitious humanitarian initiatives throughout the Year of Giving pic.twitter.com/Yl6NAyqPXD
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) January 3, 2017
The UAE’s economy will also benefit from the Food Bank…
… the UAE currently incurs approximately AED 13 billion annually in food loss, which can be redirected to benefit other social sectors.
The bank’s mechanism
An integrated mechanism for food preservation will be introduced to Food Bank partners and stakeholders, to ensure maximum efficiency, along with food safety
guidelines that abide by international standards.
The Food Bank’s operations will begin in Dubai and will expand to other underdeveloped communities in the region and around the world.
The Dubai Municipality will provide operational support, following an internationally standardized process of food collection, packaging, storage and distribution. Volunteers will also be trained on the health and safety standards, providing support on-ground at UAE Food Bank locations and fridges.
The UAE Food Bank will further recycle the remnants of inedible food through industries that may benefit from it, including fertilizers, chemical and medicinal
