The Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province emphasizes the importance of reducing food waste
His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province, emphasized the vital importance of promoting a culture of food preservation and the necessity of reducing food waste in society. This came during his meeting at his office in the Governorate with Mr. Abdul Latif bin Abdullah Al-Rajhi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Food Bank Association “Itaam,” accompanied by several board members. His Highness noted that these commendable efforts represent a noble humanitarian and social value that directly contributes to supporting needy families and reflects a high level of community awareness regarding the importance of making the most of available resources and avoiding waste. He commended the pioneering role played by the association in this vital field.
The Kingdom's journey in preserving blessings and establishing the Food Bank
Historically, Saudi society's culture has been closely linked to Islamic values that encourage gratitude for blessings and prohibit extravagance and waste. Within this context, the pressing need arose to organize charitable work related to food, leading to the establishment of the "Itaam" Association in the Eastern Province as the Kingdom's first food bank. This initiative, launched through the efforts of a group of businessmen, later evolved into a pioneering institutional model emulated nationally. Its aim is to collect surplus food according to strict health standards and distribute it to beneficiaries, thus marking a qualitative shift in the concept of volunteer and social work in the country.
Achievements of the Etaam Association in reducing food waste
During the meeting, His Royal Highness the Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province reviewed the association's final report on its activities during the holy month of Ramadan. The report comprehensively documented the efforts made to preserve surplus food and deliver it to those in need. It also highlighted the implementation of numerous volunteer initiatives and innovative food shopping projects. Among the most prominent achievements was the "Break Your Fast Safely" initiative, dedicated to distributing Iftar meals. More than 50,000 families benefited from these diverse programs, in cooperation with 98 charitable organizations. Additionally, the report highlighted the pilot operation of the association's new branch in the Madinah region, which is part of the expansion plans for the non-profit food distribution network.
Economic and environmental dimensions of reducing food waste
The importance of these initiatives extends beyond local charitable efforts to encompass broad regional and international impacts. Economically, reducing food loss contributes to saving billions of riyals annually, supporting the national economy and aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for achieving sustainability. Environmentally and internationally, these efforts are fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production. By reducing organic waste in landfills, carbon emissions and greenhouse gases are lowered, reinforcing the Kingdom's role in addressing global environmental challenges and climate change.
Continued support and development to serve the community
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Abdul Latif Al-Rajhi expressed his sincere gratitude to His Royal Highness the Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province for his continued support and keen interest in the association's activities. Mr. Al-Rajhi affirmed “Itaam’s” commitment to continuing its efforts in developing its initiatives and operational programs, aiming to enhance its positive and sustainable impact on food preservation, serving all segments of society, and achieving the desired social solidarity.
