Latest news with #MohsenSarhan
Identity
02-07-2025
- Business
- Identity
Egyptian Food Bank Recognized as the First Egyptian Development Organization to Receive the FAO Award for Its Leadership in Advancing Food Security
In a milestone achievement in Egypt's developmental journey, the Egyptian Food Bank (EFB), the first development organization in the region specializing in addressing food insecurity, has received the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Award. The organization was selected among 69 NGOs from 37 countries during an official ceremony held in the Italian capital, Rome, as part of the FAO Conference, which is taking place from June 28 to July 4, 2025. The award was received by Mohsen Sarhan, CEO of Egyptian Food Bank, who represented the organization at the ceremony held at the FAO headquarters. The recognition marks the journey that started in 2004 when the Egyptian Food Bank was established as a non-governmental organization with a set mission to eliminate hunger and achieve food security in Egypt.
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egyptian Food Bank recognized as the first Egyptian development organization
Egyptian Food Bank Selected Among 69 Organizations Worldwide for the United Nations FAO Award Cairo, In a milestone achievement in Egypt's developmental journey, the Egyptian Food Bank (EFB), the first development organization in the region specializing in addressing food insecurity, has received the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Award. The organization was selected among 69 NGOs from 37 countries during an official ceremony held in the Italian capital, Rome, as part of the FAO Conference, which is taking place from June 28 to July 4, 2025. The award was received by Mohsen Sarhan, CEO of Egyptian Food Bank, who represented the organization at the ceremony held at the FAO headquarters. The recognition marks the journey that started in 2004 when the Egyptian Food Bank was established as a non-governmental organization with a set mission to eliminate hunger and achieve food security in Egypt. This award from the FAO provides an international recognition of the Egyptian Food Bank's pioneering role and impactful contributions in the fields of food security and hunger eradication, in alignment with the FAO's priorities and goals to raise public awareness on food and nutrition issues, while delivering practical and scalable solutions across diverse local and global contexts. The selection of the Egyptian Food Bank was based on a rigorous set of criteria adopted by the FAO, most notably the organization's ability to create a tangible positive impact on individuals' lives, its success in engaging local communities in implementing sustainable development solutions, and its delivery of innovative initiatives and programs with measurable and transparent outcomes. Over the past two years, the Egyptian Food Bank has cemented its position as a leading institution in social development, through a comprehensive model that includes ensuring the food security of the most vulnerable groups across the country, supporting small-scale farmers, expanding its network of partnerships with local and international entities, and launching effective programs to reduce food loss and waste. EFB's efforts have also extended to supporting Palestinian families residing in Egypt, as part of its humanitarian and regional commitment, further reinforcing its role as one of the region's most prominent actors in the field of food security. 'Receiving the Partnership Award from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization is not just a significant recognition, but a milestone that crowns a journey we began nearly two decades ago with a clear mission: to ensure food security for the most vulnerable. This recognition is not solely for our organization; it reflects the strength of partnerships between institutions, companies, and individuals working together to create real and measurable impact on the ground," Remarked Mohsen Sarhan, CEO of the Egyptian Food Bank. Sarhan dedicated the award to everyone who contributed to the Egyptian Food Bank's mission, with a special tribute to mothers in recognition of their tireless efforts to feed their children in both times of peace and crisis. He also highlighted that although the challenges of hunger persist, EFB today is better equipped, more innovative, and more determined than ever to confront them, building on its accumulated experience and effective partnerships. He concluded by stating that this recognition is not an endpoint, but rather a new milestone that reinforces the Egyptian Food Bank's commitment to continue its work, regardless of how long or complex the road may be. Since its inception, the Egyptian Food Bank has developed an integrated model to ensure equitable and sustainable food access for the most vulnerable, based on an accurate database and efficient operational systems. Millions of families have benefited from its services, and it has directly contributed to improving the quality of life for thousands of those most in need. The FAO Award is granted to entities that demonstrate a clear commitment to the organization's values and achieve tangible impact in one or more of its priority areas, such as policy development, awareness raising, or delivering scalable and innovative solutions. The selection of the Egyptian Food Bank among this year's awardees affirms the effectiveness of the Egyptian model in addressing food security challenges domestically, and its potential for replication and expansion on an international level.
The National
02-05-2025
- General
- The National
'Less talk, more action' needed to end hunger, says Egyptian Food Bank chief
Global hunger cannot be eradicated completely but the world can try to ease the burden on those affected, the chief executive of the Egyptian Food Bank has said. Mohsen Sarhan said everyone was 'full of bright ideas' but 'there was nothing more to discover in the world of hunger'. Speaking to The National on Thursday, Mr Sarhan said now was the time do just do something about it. 'It cannot be ended as a global issue,' said Mr Sarhan, on the sidelines of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development conference. 'But the best we can try to do is to make life a little bit easier on those who are affected.' The situation is severe. According to the UN in 2023, 66.1 million people − about 14 per cent of the population in the Arab region – faced hunger. A further report in 2024 stated that globally between 713 and 757 million people faced hunger – including one out of every five in Africa. Mr Sarhan said blaming the hungry was a common theme, especially among the privileged, who assume the poor don't want to work. ''They do not want to work. They're just too lazy. They can't stick to a job,' − I hear that all the time,' said Mr Sarhan. He said a major part of the EFB's funding goes to giving families food subsidies and people told him that 'you are encouraging them not to work'. But he said the families they give this aid to are either elderly or disabled people or female-led households where the woman works at least three jobs and still cannot afford enough food. 'So, that's where we step in,' he said. 'Poverty is a structural issue. You don't get to choose which family you were born into or which country or which economic conditions,' he said. 'And then poverty breeds more poverty, which we call in our business the poverty trap.' He pointed to a programme launched by the bank two years ago, where they empower women to become farmers − with crops such as in dates, beans and lentils − and then purchase the produce from them. The food bank was established in 2006 and, while its mandate is to help the most vulnerable in Egypt, it has also worked across the region in Algeria, Lebanon, Sudan and most recently in Gaza. It has also teamed up with the UAE's 100 Million Meals campaign to provide food to low-income families during Ramadan. Reflecting on global aid funding reductions from the US, Mr Sarhan said this had done 'tremendous damage' globally − including in Egypt. He pointed to the cuts to the World Food Programme that provides support to the needy across the world. 'These people got switched off in a moment with one decision,' he said. 'I don't think that's right.' When asked if the gravity of the situation gets him down, Mr Sarhan said it 'could kill you, but again, what I'm trying to do is be very micro-focused'. He added that 'today, was a very good day. We try to celebrate it. Tomorrow, it hasn't come yet.' The Dihad event this year aims to tackle the issue of humanitarian aid in a polarised world. Michela Matuella, director of the emergency response co-ordination centre within the directorate-general for the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, earlier told attendees the world was in an era of increasing fragility where 'blatant violations' of international humanitarian law have become 'alarmingly frequent'. 'There are mounting obstacles to delivering aid to those most in need,' she said. 'Access is denied. Workers are killed, hospitals and schools are attacked. Children are caught in the crossfire. The number of people forced to flee their homes continues to rise and the escalating climate crisis further intensifies global humanitarian needs.' Ms Matuella said in 2025 an estimated 305 million individuals in the world will require urgent aid and protection yet the gap between resources and needs was widening. 'This is real human suffering,' she added. But Ms Matuella issued a call to action stating humanitarian aid had to be delivered in tandem with long-term thinking and financing − harnessing everyone from the private sector to philanthropic organisations. 'I have a very simple message to convey,' she said. 'As the winds of isolationism whip across the world, the EU will remain a strong, reliable and committed humanitarian partner. You can count on us.'
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The CMA CGM Foundation and the Egyptian Food Bank partner to support communities in need in Egypt
These packages were packed and prepared by 30 CMA CGM Group staff members, alongside Egyptian Food Bank volunteers. They will support approximately 5,000 individuals, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals throughout the Holy Month. The CMA CGM Foundation and the Egyptian Food Bank have established a long-term partnership to support communities in need in Egypt. The collaboration kicks off with a large-scale Ramadan initiative, distributing 1,000 food parcels to support approximately 5,000 individuals, ensuring vulnerable families have access to essential meals during the Holy Month. 30 CMA CGM Group staff members, led by the CEO of CMA CGM Egypt, Tariq Zaghloul, teamed up with Egyptian Food Bank volunteers to pack food parcels, which were distributed March 6. Their joint efforts focus on reaching the most underserved communities, particularly in rural areas, to provide critical nourishment to those in need. 'We are proud to partner with the Egyptian Food Bank to help tackle food insecurity. Our shared commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, particularly during Ramadan, is a powerful reflection of the CMA CGM Foundation's values of solidarity and humanitarian aid," said Tariq Zaghloul, CEO of CMA CGM Egypt. 'I want to express my deepest gratitude to our staff for their dedication and to the Egyptian Food Bank for their expertise. This is just the beginning of our long-term commitment to help more families in need.' Mohsen Sarhan, CEO of Egyptian Food Bank, remarked, "Our partnership with the CMA CGM Foundation represents a powerful step forward in our mission to combat food insecurity and ensure that no family is left behind. This initiative comes at a crucial time, as Ramadan is a month of giving and solidarity, and through this collaboration, we are able to provide essential food supplies to thousands of individuals who need them most.' He added, 'The impact of this collaboration will extend far beyond Ramadan, fostering sustained food security within vulnerable communities across Egypt, and demonstrating our shared, unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering from hunger." Throughout the year, the CMA CGM Foundation and the Egyptian Food Bank will organize additional solidarity initiatives to ensure a lasting and sustainable impact. This marks the second consecutive year that the CMA CGM Foundation has distributed food packages in Egypt, following last year's efforts in Alexandria and Cairo, where staff members mobilized to distribute over 1,000 packages for Ramadan. The CMA CGM Foundation's global commitment to support those facing food insecurity The CMA CGM Foundation is dedicated to supporting those facing food insecurity by providing financial, human, and logistical assistance to strengthen food distribution and aid efforts. In France and its overseas territories, the Foundation partners with leading food aid organizations, including Restos du Coeur, French Food Banks, Secours Populaire, Secours Catholique, and ANDES. In Lebanon, the Foundation plays a key role in distributing hot meals and has contributed to the construction of a community kitchen in Beirut, capable of serving 3,000 meals a day. Beyond France and Lebanon, the Foundation extends its impact globally, notably in the United States through its partnership with The Salvation Army. Through its sustained commitment, the Foundation has enabled the distribution of over 10 million meals worldwide to those in need. About the CMA CGM Foundation Founded in 2005 and chaired by Tanya Saadé Zeenny, the CMA CGM Foundation focuses on humanitarian action and access to education. It embodies and translates the family values and solidarity of the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in transport and logistics, into concrete actions. Facing crises, the Foundation leverages the expertise of the CMA CGM Group to deliver essential humanitarian supplies. It also supports access to quality education, professional training and integration, as well as educational and social innovation. To date, the Foundation has transported 63,000 tons of humanitarian aid to 97 countries, supported over 550 educational projects in France, Lebanon, and around the world, and assisted 55 entrepreneurs through its social incubator, Le Phare. About Egyptian Food Bank: The Egyptian Food Bank was established in 2004 as a non-governmental organization dedicated to achieving food security in Egypt. Over the past 20 years, the Egyptian Food Bank – the region's first development institution specializing in providing healthy food to those in need – has consistently supported the most vulnerable families in Egypt, addressing the challenges of accessing sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, directly contributing to the national effort to alleviate hunger.
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
‘The MarQ Communities' partners with the ‘Egyptian Food Bank' to support families in need during Ramadan
Cairo, As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility, The MarQ Communities, one of the leading developers of residential communities and commercial destinations, has announced its collaboration with the Egyptian Food Bank to distribute Ramadan boxes containing essential food supplies. This initiative aims to support 20,000 individuals in need during the holy month. This effort aligns with the company's mission to promote social solidarity, contribute to sustainable development, and reinforce the private sector's role in addressing community needs and improving the lives of families in need. On this occasion, Eng. Amr Badr, Chairman and CEO of The MarQ Communities, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with the Egyptian Food Bank, stating: 'Our role extends beyond developing residential communities; we firmly believe in our social responsibility to drive sustainability and actively contribute to community development. Ramadan presents a significant opportunity to strengthen this social role, embodying the values of solidarity and cooperation. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to supporting families in need. Our partnership with the 'Egyptian Food Bank' serves as a model for collaboration between the private sector and community organizations, delivering tangible benefits to society while fostering the values of solidarity and social cohesion that we strive to promote'. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Mohsen Sarhan, CEO of the Egyptian Food Bank, expressed his pride in the partnership with The MarQ Communities, stating: 'We are delighted to collaborate with 'The MarQ Communities' on this initiative, which reflects the company's strong commitment to supporting families in need across Egypt and promoting the values of solidarity and cooperation. The private sector plays a crucial role in advancing social development goals, and at the Egyptian Food Bank, we have the expertise and capacity to implement such initiatives on a large scale across Egypt. This enables us to meet the needs of those who deserve support, ultimately creating a direct and positive impact on individuals' lives and improving communities.' The MarQ Communities' employees actively participated in the packaging of the food boxes, which contain essential food supplies. This activity was held at the company's flagship and one of its most distinguished residential communities, 'The MarQ Gardens'. The initiative reinforced the company's dedication to involving all team members in this humanitarian effort, fostering a spirit of collaboration among employees while strengthening the values of solidarity and meaningful community engagement. This initiative underscores The MarQ Communities' commitment to integrating corporate social responsibility into its comprehensive strategy by supporting underprivileged groups within society. Moreover, the partnership with the Egyptian Food Bank exemplifies an effective collaboration between the private sector and NGOs, aiming to create a tangible, positive impact while fostering social solidarity across Egypt.
