- Title: SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi group launches campaign to stop food wastage during Ramadan
- Date: 26th June 2014
- Summary: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (JUNE 24, 2014) (REUTERS) BANNER SHOWING THE ETA'AM LOG AND WRITTEN 'HOLY RAMADAN' PEOPLE ATTENDING LAUNCH OF CAMPAIGN ETA'AM OFFICIALS AWARDING THEIR PARTNERS PHOTOGRAPHERS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ETA'AM, EXECUTIVE MANAGER, A'AMER AL BARJAS, SAYING: "Saving the blessed food is everybody's responsibility, this is an important message for all. We have a huge waste of food in Riyadh. In the eastern region, four million meals are dumped in the rubbish everyday. Riyadh, being the capital with a large number of hotels, conferences and greater population, we can say that there is at least double this number. Our responsibility is guiding these people in saving this blessed food." VARIOUS OF BAGS CONTAINING KITS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ETA'AM, EXECUTIVE MANAGER, A'AMER AL BARJAS, SAYING: "These bags contain plates and an awareness guide, and are distributed free of charge in the Al-Othaim markets. After the women have filled the plates with food, her son or husband can start to distribute them to those needy near him such as cleaners, petrol station workers or to shops." VARIOUS OF BAGS CONTAINING KITS
- Embargoed: 11th July 2014 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Saudi Arabia
- Country: Saudi Arabia
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVAAP3X0XGWJ41GVK2O33SVGFCN1
- Story Text: With the Muslim holy month of Ramadan set to start soon, one Saudi organisation is trying to raise awareness about food wastage.
Traditionally a time of fasting and prayer for Muslims, it is also a time of increased food wastage at iftar parties or banquets held - not just in Saudi Arabia but around the world.
A non-profit organisation food bank Eta'am has launched an awareness campaign to encourage people not throw away food but instead give it to the needy.
"We have a huge waste of food in Riyadh. In the eastern region, four million meals are dumped in the rubbish everyday. Riyadh, being the capital with a large number of hotels, conferences and greater population, we can say that there is at least double this number. Our responsibility is in directing people in saving food," explained the Eta'am's executive manager, A'Amer Al Barjas.
It was this huge waste that prompted a group of Saudi businessmen to set up the organisation and try to stop food wastage - a big problem in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the awareness campaign, Eta'am has prepared special kits including plates to be filled with left-overs and distributed to the needy, as well as a guide explaining how to not only save food but reduce quantities when cooking.
"These bags contain plates and an awareness guide, and are distributed free of charge in the Al-Othaim markets. After the women have filled the plates with food, her son or husband can start to distribute them to those needy near him such as cleaners, petrol station workers or to shops," said Al Barjas.
Eta'am is a year-round charitable organisation which collects meals with the help of employees and volunteers and distributes them to people on the advice of charities. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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