During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims across the globe, partake in donations (Zakat), an integral part of the Muslim faith. So, the new campaign ‘10 Million Meals’ that was launched last year to provide food support for Covid-19-hit communities has been expanded this year.

From 10 million meals to 100 million meals –the campaign aims at reaching the wider public and help them in distressful times. The campaign which is one the biggest in the region has been getting tremendous response internationally as well.

With the expansion of the campaign, donations, contributions and pledges of support are pouring in for the movement. Good Samaritans, organisations and people alike have joined the movement which has contributed to 50 per cent or Dh43million of the target Dh100m. This has been raised in just less than five days after the campaign was launched on April 11.

 
Organised by UAE-based Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the campaign reflects the UAE’s humanitarian principles to aid the vulnerable across the world, regardless of race, religion or nationality. The Campaign aims to provide food parcels to empower disadvantaged individuals and families across 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa to prepare their own meals during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

With every Dh1 donated, the initiative will help provide one meal for beneficiaries in targeted countries including Sudan, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Tanzania, Senegal, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Jordan, Pakistan, Angola, Uganda, Bangladesh, and Palestine.

The campaign was initially focused in the UAE only, however, it has now multiplied ten times. With the help of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the Food Banking Regional Network and organisations in beneficiary countries have been ensuring food parcels are delivered to the doorsteps of impoverished families. Additionally, around 77 food banks around the world have been involved in the campaign. The food is sourced locally, meaning, the food that is distributed in Bangladesh, Jordan or Palestine are sourced within the country. This is to ensure the flexibility to prepare their own food and also to assure that the food will be sufficient for them for a long time.