UAE Food Bank announces new plan to reduce waste by 30% over next 4 years – News

New strategy aligns with country’s goal of becoming a global leader in food waste management

The UAE Food Bank aims to reduce food waste and reach more beneficiaries over the next four years. The entity has launched its 2023-2027 strategic plan, which also aims to advance the digital transformation of banking operations and reduce food waste by 30% by 2027.

The new plan is part of the implementation of the directives of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Supreme Chairman of the UAE Food Bank. It also aligns with the UAE’s aim to become a global leader in managing food surpluses.

Globally, millions of tons of food are wasted every year. Food waste is the third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Reducing and redirecting food waste can make a big difference to climate change. Given these figures, the work of UAE food banks is more important than ever.

Since 2017, the bank has distributed more than 55 million meals to beneficiaries, equivalent to saving 55,000 tons of food that would otherwise end up in trash. It also has more than 200 strategic partnerships with food businesses, hotels, restaurants, hypermarkets, central kitchens and charitable organizations.

As part of its efforts to promote sustainable development, UAE Food Bank will support local farmers and expand partnerships with food businesses, companies and hotels to donate surplus food and reduce waste.

The plan also aims to advance the digital transformation of the food bank’s operations to ensure easy access to as many beneficiaries and donors as possible.

The UAE Food Bank has also signed five MoUs with regional food banks to exchange information and Experience it to families in need.

As part of the strategy, the bank will run awareness programs with schools, government and private entities on how to make the best use of food surplus, reduce waste and protect the environment.

During Ramadan this year, UAE Food Bank’s initiative distributed more than 5.1 million meals to nearly half a million families and over 2.6 million workers in the UAE and around the world. More than 720 volunteers contributed to the implementation of these initiatives.

The bank is also involved in the “Bridges of Kindness” initiative launched to help people affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. It also delivered 292.7 tonnes of food to the Emirates Red Crescent to support those affected by the crisis.

Through its campaigns and partnerships with the private sector, the bank has diverted more than 908,000 kilograms of food from landfill by donating edible food and recycling food unfit for human consumption.

The bank recycled 367,409 kg of food waste, produced 73 tons of fertilizer, and reduced carbon emissions by 2,306,687 kg, equivalent to planting 96,112 trees.