The Community Development Authority (CDA) announced securing 500,000 meals, worth Dhs4 million, to be distributed to communities affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in Dubai as part of the ‘10 million meals’ campaign.

The authority aims to distribute the half a million meals to low-income individuals and labourers in collaboration with licensed civil society organizations, partnering entities and volunteers, following public health and safety guidelines.

The ’10 million meals’ campaign, launched last week, enables individuals and institutions to make financial and in-kind donations towards providing meals or food parcels to individuals and families affected by the global covid-19 pandemic across the country throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

Ahmed Julfar, Director General of CDA, said, “the ‘10 million meals’ campaign presents a practical response to the most vulnerable at this unprecedented time through unifying humanitarian efforts and capabilities across the country.”

He noted that the CDA’s annual Ramadan initiative Yestahloon “well deserved” that distributes food and organizes events for labourers and low-income individuals complements the objectives of the ’10 million meals’ campaign. The noble campaign, he said, prompts the expansion of the CDA’s food distribution this year amid the global crisis that took away many jobs and reduced sources of income.

He added, “the ’10 million meals’ campaign reflects the UAE’s message to the world that we are all one family that supports each other.”

Julfar noted that coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, a month of kindness, compassion and peace, the campaign adds further positive impact to the campaign as it unifies the general public and private and public entities towards bringing much-needed relief and security to the most vulnerable in these unprecedented times.

“The inspiring humanitarian initiatives and campaigns launched in the UAE stand out in their scientific approach based on data collection, case studies, logistical mapping and integrated mechanisms to provide basic necessities that respond to every person in need.”

Julfar stated, “the CDA is keen to support humanitarian initiatives that reflect the humanitarian vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and implementing the UAE’s values of coexistence, harmony and solidarity irrespective of color, religion or race.”

CDA’s contribution to the campaign forms a part of its commitment to ensure social development across all levels since 2008. The CDA is in charge of preparation, execution, and supervision of comprehensive strategic plans, and proposing legislation related to social services to improve the outputs of the social development sector.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced last week the launch of the ’10 million meals’ campaign to provide food support to families and individuals affected by the Covid-19 pandemic that left many facing unemployment and income reductions.

The campaign will be led by his wife Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of UAE Food Bank.

Within the first few days of its launch, the campaign has attracted wide engagement and a whopping number of donations across different segments of the society.

It is overseen by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with the Social Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19.

Four ways to donate

Individuals and entities can make financial or in-kind donations to provide food assistance to people in need as part of the ’10 million meals’ campaign.

Donors can purchase a preferred number of meals online at www.10millionmeals.ae to be distributed to disadvantaged individuals and families across the country. They can also donate via SMS (Etisalat and Du) to numbers listed on the website.

Donors can make a transfer to ’10 million meals’ campaign bank account at Dubai Islamic Bank with IBAN no.:AE430240001580857000001.

For in-kind contributions, donors have the chance to provide packaged or canned food supplies or arrange food parcels for distribution through directly contacting the campaign’s organizing team on the toll-free number 8004006.