UAE’s national initiative curbs food waste, feeds over 1 million poor – News

The program successfully diverted more than 908,100 kilograms of food from landfill, saving more than 1.35 million leftover meals

The National Food Loss and Waste Initiative Ne’ma, in partnership with the UAE Food Bank, has distributed over one million meals to vulnerable groups in the country.

The initiative, which aims to recycle inedible food and manage leftovers to reduce waste, is in line with Ne’ma’s Food Rescue program during Ramadan.

Ne’ma was established after the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called for action to address the negative trend of food waste and its harmful effects. The UAE Food Bank was launched under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative. Last year, Ne’ma teamed up with the UAE Food Bank to meet the country’s goal of reducing food waste and achieve the goal of saving leftovers from millions of meals.

During this holy month, the joint initiative managed to divert more than 908,100 kilograms of food from landfill, saving more than 1.35 million surplus meals and delivering them to those in need.

Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Foundation, said: “These collaborative efforts we have witnessed during Ramadan are proof that Ne’ma’s vision is truly reflected in engaging key stakeholders across the country to reduce food loss and waste.” and Ne’ma National Steering Committee Vice Chairman said.

The initiative has been successful through coordination and collaboration with multiple partners in the public and private sectors, including food companies, charities, hotels, iftar tents and delivery operators.

“We are delighted to bring together various government entities and private stakeholders, as well as the hotel and restaurant industry, to make reducing food waste a coherent and inclusive national effort towards the ultimate elimination of food waste, self-reliance and a sustainable circular economy ‘ Al Shamsi said.

The UAE government aims to halve food loss and waste by 2030 – a goal that is in line with the National Food Security Strategy and UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the UAE Food Bank, which is a key driver in achieving these goals in line with the agreed plan and having a positive impact on saving food and recycling food waste,” added Al Shamsi.

The system, working with the public and private sectors, identifies donating entities and surplus food, and determines where and when food and meals are delivered to conserve food and deliver it in the best quality to those in need. Comprehensive technical solutions, training and awareness for effective recycling of food waste, segregation and recycling requirements are also provided for hospitality and hospitality stakeholders.

“We are proud of what we have achieved by recycling and diverting approximately 908,145 kilograms of food from landfill, thus saving more than 1.35 million meals and serving them to those in need in the country,” said Manal bin Yaarou, Head of Operations and Administration UAE Food Bank Council said.

“In addition to the separation and recovery at source of approximately 367,409 kilograms of food unfit for human consumption, [the food was converted] Equivalent to 73,482 kg of oil and organic fertilizers, the purpose is to protect the environment as local farms in the country benefit from it,” added bin Yaarou.