DUBAI: The UAE Food bank will collect at the end of the Gulf Food Exhibition the food items that are being displayed at various stalls in the event and distribute them to needy people through authorised charity organisations.

The UAE Food bank, which is participating in the Gulf Food Exhibition as part of its activities during the Year of Zayed, has provided seven containers that look like mini food banks at different locations in the exhibition halls for collecting the left-over, fresh food items, in cooperation and under the supervision of the competent authorities.

"The food surplus will be received on the last day of the Gulfood exhibition under the supervision of a special team of 11 Dubai Municipality employees as well as charities," said Noura Abdulla Al Shamsi, Head of Applied Nutrition and Permits Section in the Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality. She said the third site of the Food Bank will be inaugurated soon in Al Muhaisinah, under the patronage of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, adding that the bank has been fully committed to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in reaching the food to the deserving people.

"We have handed over the food to the needy people at their places, especially the category of workers, in cooperation with charities and institutions in the emirate," said Al Shamsi.

The UAE Food Bank has collected more than 600 tonnes of food last year benefiting more than 80,000 workers, 12,000 families, in addition to distributing 170,000 cooked meals. The UAE Food Bank was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, in conjunction with the celebrations marking the 11th anniversary of his Accession Day, following his habit of launching initiatives of a humanitarian and charitable nature.

The Bank collects surplus fresh and canned food from hotels, restaurants, hospitality establishments, farms, food factories and food product markets in accordance with the approved health and safety standards in Dubai and distribute them inside and outside the country in cooperation with a network of local and international charity and humanitarian organisations.

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2018.