DUBAI – Marking World Food Day, Expo 2020 Dubai has announced the launch of its Food Rescue Programme in partnership with Cisco, Expo 2020’s Digital Network Partner. Food surplus from Expo 2020’s restaurants, food halls and workforce catering will be repurposed and distributed to local charities with the logistical support of the UAE Food Bank throughout the duration of the event.
Expo 2020 joins forces with the UAE Food Bank, a non-profit charitable organisation launched under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, to operate the programme, which is supported by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
The first of its kind in the UAE, the Expo 2020 Dubai Food Rescue Programme utilises Replate, a Cisco grantee, and state-of-the-art technology, to automate the food rescue process and connect donors to charities and communities in need, while tracking the environmental impact of all donations. Replate is also used to alert the UAE Food Bank about pick-ups at the Expo site, and enables UAE Food Bank drivers to effectively distribute food to those in need. All surplus food delivered from Expo 2020’s premises will be in accordance with the Dubai Municipality’s Food Code and guidelines.
Dina Storey, Director – Sustainability Operations, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “As Expo 2020 marks World Food Day, we turn our attention to the critical issue of food waste. Nearly one-third of all food produced globally is never eaten, with the majority ending up in landfills and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions – all while hundreds of millions of people across the world continue to go hungry.
“As a global platform that aims to create a better future for both people and planet, Expo 2020 is a responsible member of the UAE community committed to contributing to food security and sustainability efforts, which the UAE has made a strategic priority. We are grateful to the organisations that have offered their vital support to this programme, and have invited Expo 2020’s vast food-and-beverage network to be part of this high-impact success story for Expo 2020, Dubai and the UAE.”
“Reducing food waste and combating hunger are inextricably linked and must be our shared priority. As a global leader in technology, we are using our voice and the platform of Expo 2020 Dubai to lead by example, showcasing the power of digital solutions and co-creation to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges,” said Shukri Eid, Managing Director, Cisco Gulf Region.
On World Food Day 2021, Expo 2020 highlights the need for global solidarity in rethinking and reshaping food security and agri-food systems to ensure healthy lives and sustain people and the planet. World Food Day is a call to action for Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger – urging multiple sectors of society to address hunger, make agriculture sustainable and ensure healthy diets for all.
