Dubai: Meta has announced its support to the ‘1 Billion Meals’ initiative, the largest food donation drive of its kind in the region. Marking Ramadan as the #MonthofGood, Meta will launch the #MealsForReels campaign across the region and beyond, a charitable movement in which Meta platforms and its content creators will celebrate humanitarian and social work.
The campaign will also support the objectives of 1 Billion Meals to provide food aid to the underprivileged and undernourished in 50 countries across the globe.
How it works
In partnership with Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the #MealsForReels campaign invites food content creators, chefs and food enthusiasts to create Ramadan ‘Reels’ on Facebook and Instagram during Ramadan. Once a Reel has been posted, its creator will attach a donation wallet provided by MBRGI for their fans and followers to contribute to 1 Billion Meals.
#MealsForReels will see more than 120 influencers and 70 content creators across the region and beyond, including creators from the UK and Spain, coming together to participate in the battle against hunger and malnutrition, which affects the lives of more than 800 million persons every day.
Who is participating?
The list of influencers and content creators participating in #MealsForReels include celebrities such as Mohamad Henedy, Chef Manal Al Alem, Chef Shaheen Khalid Al Ameri, and Karen Wazen.
Khalid Al Shehhi, director of New Media team for 1 Billion Meals, said: “The 1 Billion Meals initiative is the largest of its kind in the region to provide food support to those in need around the world. [MBRGI] cooperate with local, regional, and international partners who contribute to achieving the humanitarian goals of the initiative by enabling individuals and institutions from the UAE and the world to extend a helping hand during Ramadan.”
He added: “Based on the concept of sustainable community financing, the initiative allows participation for all levels of society, whether it’s through donations, logistical support or inspiring digital content that encourages the public to make their mark in this largest humanitarian initiative in the region. We thank Meta for their constructive role in supporting the 1 Billion Meals initiative and enabling hundreds of influencers and content creators in the region to play a pivotal role in our humanitarian efforts.”
Creativity for good
Joana Jamil, Strategic Partner Manager, Established Creator Partnerships, MENAT, Meta, said: “With Ramadan being the #MonthOfGood for Meta platforms, we are excited to roll out the #MealsForReels campaign by working with top content creators across our Facebook and Instagram platforms. In partnership with MBRGI, we believe we have the opportunity to not only express social good but also inspire people to reflect on their actions. By creating Reels and utilizing our social presence, we can be part of something bigger and really impactful.”
New frontiers
Prominent Egyptian actor, Mohamad Henedy, said: “Technology has provided people with many opportunities in multiple fields. The internet, for example, has allowed us to expand our reach way beyond the scope of our regions, family and friends, and allowed us to offer a helping hand to disadvantaged people around the world. The One Billion Meals campaign is unique in its ability to transcend borders and continents and gathers people from all walks of life around a common goal – bringing a smile to those most in need. While feeling the joy of having an iftar surrounded by family, we can also smile at the fact we brought joy into the life of another person or family on another continent.”
Ongoing work
The 1 Billion Meals initiative, supported by Meta, is a continuation of the 100 Million Meals campaign launched by MBRGI during Ramadan last year. Within the span of one month, the 100 Million Meals campaign collected more than 220 million meals, which were distributed in 47 countries around the globe.
