This Ramadan, the UAE Food Bank has donated to residents, most especially the needy, in Dubai 80 Ramadan fridges, a local media reported.
The distribution of these fridges, which was reported to be operational after the launch, across mosques in Dubai kicked off on Saturday. This was done under the initiative of the UAE Food Bank tagged the Ramadan Fridge programme.
Some companies that have partnered with the UAE Food Bank initiative sponsored the programme, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai as part of the Year of Giving.
Khalid Mohammad Sharif Al Awadhi, assistant director general for health, safety and environment control said that a lot of volunteers who registered with the Community Development Authority (CDA) have been given training to ensure safety of the food donated through the fridge initiative.
“Each mosque will have at least one or two volunteers. They can choose the mosque based on where they live,” he said.
Food Safety Department of the municipality will also assign food inspectors to oversee the functioning of the fridge donation programme and ensure food safety. They would be communicating all food safety principles and practices to the volunteers.
It was further reported that the department will also teach the volunteers on how to handle the food safely, monitor food temperature, and ensure cleanliness in fridges.
“It is the responsibility of the volunteers and inspectors to make sure the food is fit for consumption. However, donors should also ensure the safety of the food they are donating.”
“They should not donate raw food except fruits and vegetables and should not keep cooked food open for long time.”
The official also added specific boxes have been designated for these fridges. For the first time, these Ramadan fridges will accept home cooked food. But donors should give high priority to food safety before donation.
“There should not be any time and temperature abuse. Food should be kept in safe temperatures before donation. Donors need to follow instructions regarding time difference between preparation and donation of food.”
The initiative, which also aims to cut food wastage during Ramadan, will not accept food left over in plates. “But surplus food left over in containers or cooking pots can be donated, provided they are kept at the right temperature.”
Al Awadhi said the public donors will be informed about rules to be followed for food donation through social media channels. “CDA will also host awareness sessions. There will be different programme and the volunteers will be trained regularly.”
He said needy people can just go to their nearby mosque and collect the donated food from the fridge.
“They should take what they need for themselves and their families. The idea is not to take more than what they need and cause more food wastage.”
