Dubai
Even the simple act of giving in charity, requires some grace and respect. Dumping leftover fries in front of a person who you might consider to be from poorer socio-economic conditions at a foodcourt, or offering a half-eaten sandwich to a cleaner, is not the way to go.
According to the United Nations Human Rights website, “poverty is not only deprivation of economic or material resources, but a violation of human dignity, too”.
Ensuring we do not humiliate people who are already going through a difficult time, is crucial. Here are some tips to help make sure your act of charity is graceful and appreciated:
• Plan ahead – If you know the meal you have ordered at a restaurant is too big to finish by yourself, begin by separating what you are going to eat from what you are going to have packed later. This way, when you take away the leftovers, they will be untouched.
• Keep it fresh – Don’t pack half-eaten food, or items that have already been handled. Even if the food involves leftovers, make sure it is fresh.
• Be hygienic – Ensure the food you are offering is packed in a clean container, and has been stored properly. UK-based Food Standards Agency advises donors to “keep food out of the fridge for the shortest time possible”.
• Check quality – Ensure the food is well-cooked and is not spoilt. Food that is just about to go bad is not okay to pass on to other people. According to New South Wales (NSW) Food Authority, food should not be donated or eaten after its ‘use-by’ date, “because it may be unsafe to eat, even though spoilage may not be visible”.
• Temperature control – When donating food, the NSW Food Authority advises: “Observe temperature control requirements of potentially hazardous food. If the food must be kept below 5 degrees Celsius or above 60 degrees Celsius, tell the recipient of the required temperature.”
• Ask first – When approaching the person you want to give food to, first ask them whether they would like a meal. Offering politely, instead of forcing a meal on someone, empowers the person to choose whether to accept it or not.
• It’s all in the details – Next, ask if they are vegetarian or not, and alert them of what is in the container you are offering, so they are able to make an informed decision. NSW Food Authority advises: “If the food will only be safe to eat for a limited time, tell the recipients of that time period.”