On December 17, 2023, the three-day capacity-building training titled “Food Banking Regional Network Model: Establishment, Operations, Pillars to Focus” began in Cairo, Egypt. The organization of the event is financially co-supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and closely coordinated with the Food Banking Regional Network.
The activity brought together over 60 participants representing government agencies, food banks, civil society, multinational companies, private sector from 20 Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) Member States. The event aimed at showcasing the great experience of Food Banks of certain OIC Member States in implementing food banking activities. The training not only to familiarize the best practices of establishing and operations of food banks, but practically to allow participants to build the business plan, pillars to consider in setting a food bank, field visit to Egyptian Food Bank facilities, as well as accompany identified non-profit organizations or private sector entities to run food banking system in home countries.
The training was launched by opening remarks of Mr. Khalid Abdelrahman Mohamed Ahmed from Islamic Development Bank’s Regional Hub in Cairo, Dr. Moez El Shohdi, President & Chief Executive Officer, Food Banking Regional Network and Dr. Ismail Abdelhamid, Advisor to Programmes and Projects Department, Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS).
The first day was full of informative presentations and interactive discussions, particularly Dr. Moez Al Shohdi gave an in-depth presentation regarding the Food Banking Regional Network’s Model to End Hunger, Poverty, Save Environment for Better Life. Including various models it is using to feed people in need, tackle food waste, engage farmers, work on education, promote volunteerism and other aspects.
Mr. Khalid Abdulla Alyafei Director of Emergency and Relief of the Qatar Charity shared about QC’s humanitarian activities around the globe, emphasizing the sustainable projects in food security. Furthermore, participants learned from case studies and best practices from Food Banks of Tunisia, Mauritania, Yemen, Lebanon, Ghana. Representative of KellaNova shared how multinational companies could cooperate to support food banking activities. Mr. Abdulkadir Aminu proposed the efforts by Dar AL Halal Foundation for food banking activities in Nigeria, especially in North region where vulnerable need food to alleviate hunger.
Lastly, Dr. Mohamed Elkaramany trained the beneficiaries focusing on strategic management, fundraising strategies & financial management, monitoring and evaluation.
The second day started with an elaboration on the establishment and operations of Food Banks in Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Uganda. Moreover, participants were familiarized with Egyptian private sector industries, making efforts to avoid food losses, efforts of Bas Al-Haya Association in providing food for people in need in Jordan; in addition to food security programs through support to smallholder farmers, activities of non-profit organization in Cameroon for supporting vulnerable populations. Furthermore, two presenters showcased the solutions to address food waste through digital platforms in Türkiye and efforts of non-profit organizations in Cote d’Ivoire.
To conclude, Egyptian Food Bank shared its Farmers Support Program, its Dairy Products Farm. Also representative of IFFCO presented how multinational companies are willing to support food insecure people in Egypt.
