Coronavirus: 100,000 food baskets getting ready for affected families in Abu Dhabi

More than 100,000 food baskets, with a month's worth of essentials, will be delivered to Abu Dhabi residents whose earnings have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
The Authority of Social Contribution (Ma'an) on Thursday said it has started working on a food support scheme, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, for people affected by the current health and economic situation. Individuals, couples and families who meet the conditions can apply for support if their income is not enough to meet basic requirements and they are either a UAE citizen or resident living in Abu Dhabi.
Eligible applicants will be provided with baskets of high quality, nutritious and healthy essential food and kitchen cupboard items including rice, pasta, dates, beans, tea, jam and noodles. For those with young children, baby supplies will also be provided.
Applications will be open from April 19 through the 'Together We Are Good' website until the end of April. Applicants will fill their details and provide documentation proving their income and expenses.
Deliveries to begin on May 1
Deliveries of food baskets will begin from May 1, with items sourced from local supermarket suppliers - Lulu, Abu Dhabi Coop and Al Ain Coop. Ma'an will bear the cost of the food baskets through the financial contributions received via its 'Together we are Good' programme.
"Our community has pulled together in an unprecedented way last month to respond to the current health and economic challenges that are impacting not only Abu Dhabi, but the rest of the world," said Salama Al Ameemi, director-general of Ma'an.
"By working together, we will ensure that the most vulnerable in our community receive the support they need during this period. I encourage people to come forward and apply through our website. I also continue to urge the community to consider how they can contribute to 'Together We Are Good' - each contribution is highly valued and appreciated and is having a direct impact on the lives of people in our community," she added.
This week, Ma'an launched a new toll-free helpline (800-3088) and a specially created microsite (togetherwearegood.ae) for those in need of relief. Starting with education support initially, beneficiaries will get assistance in due course across three other key areas of relief - health support; food supplies, as well as basic needs.
Together We Are Good Intitiative
Who can apply
> Applicant must be resident of Abu Dhabi
> Must have lost some or all of their income temporarily
> Have not previously received support from any other government agency

How to apply
> Applications will be open from April 19 through the 'Together We Are Good' website until the end of April
> Fill the necessary form
> Provide documentation proving income and expenses
What's in the food basket?
> Rice
> Pasta
> Dates
> Beans
> Tea
> Jam
> Noodles
> Baby supplies
How to contribute
> Send SMS messages to 6670 (Dh1000), 6678 (Dh500), 6683 (Dh100) and 6658 (Dh50)
> Call 8005-MAAN for volunteering and in-kind and financial contributions above Dh1,000
> Send messages on WhatsApp on 0543055366
> Transfers can also be made via First Abu Dhabi Bank using the IBAN number: AE100351011003988349032
> In-kind contributions include equipment, buildings, services, and time as well as expert volunteering efforts
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi

Ismail Sebugwaawo

ismail@khaleejtimes.com