Minister of Labor and Social Development Dr. Mufrej Al-Haqbani has said his ministry is working on achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 that focuses on the importance of institutionalizing nonprofit organizations to increase and sustain their contributions. "Social work can be supported through a range of projects and programs that leave an impact as well as the establishment of nonprofit organizations," he said. Such aims ensure the fast-paced development of the sector and the continuity of enhancing cooperation between NGOs and government entities, he added. Al-Haqbani emphasized that the non-profit sector has to be motivated by instituting governance standards and a culture of volunteering. The minister made the remarks while patronizing the annual gathering of Saudi Food Bank Foundation (Eta'am) on Tuesday. The gathering at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), under the title "Biography and Journey", was attended by Abudulrahman Al-Zamil, chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers, and a number of labor and social development officials as well as Eta'am staff and heads of charities across the Kingdom. Al-Haqbani said Eta'am has a core message that stems from the Saudi customs and morals to redeem members of society from the sin of throwing food away after they host lavish parties and banquets. The foundation helps deliver such untouched leftovers to the needy, he added. Al-Haqbani pointed out that the charitable foundations are in dire need of contributions from the nonprofit sector and its social activities like endowment funds that can provide sustainability to NGOs. The ministry seeks to develop and sustain the charity sector with the help of the private sector, he said, and referred to the possible trend of NGOs competing with the private sector in the future. Al-Haqbani put a significant emphasis on charitable work that focuses on empowering beneficiaries and reducing the support period through a bundle of training and rehabilitation programs. "These moves will make beneficiaries count on themselves and their capabilities as well as transform them from care seekers to productive individuals," he said. Chairman of Eta'am Hisham Al-Saghyir and the staff members thanked the minister for his patronage and said it reflected the leadership's deep concern to support the mission and vision of the foundation. "Eta'am aims at keeping food leftovers safe as a top priority before they are distributed as meals, as the main goal is to spread awareness in society about the need to avoid excessive waste of food in the first place," Al-Saghyir said. "Besides, it is a bid to correct the mainstream thinking that ‘abundant food is a sign of generosity'," he added. Saudi families spend 30 to 40 percent of their income on consumer products, he said. Chief Executive Officer of Eta'am Amer Al-Barjas extended his thanks and appreciation to the minister for patronizing the event. It shows the minister's recognition of the foundation's achievements in spreading a culture of avoiding food wastage, he said. Al-Barjas said the foundation is keen on keeping stakeholders in private and public sectors and NGOs informed of what has been achieved during the last year. The foundation is committed to utilizing food leftovers, in addition to launching support programs to educate people about saving the blessings of God without waste, Al-Barjas told the gathering. He said that the foundation is not losing direction due to the ambitions of its staff and board of directors to contribute in spite of its short period of existence. He said everyone is striving to stay true to the foundation slogan, "Partners for Keeping Food Safe".
