A new scheme to collect leftovers from ma'atams and food stalls during Ashoora and distribute it to the needy was launched last night in Bahrain.

A group of volunteers has been authorised by the Manama Municipality and Manama Municipal Council to collect uneaten food, package it and hand it out the same night to the less fortunate, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

All ma'atams and food stalls in Manama have signed on to the scheme, which will continue during Ashoora until Tuesday. The occasion marks the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed.

"There are a lot of leftovers that go into the garbage rather than being eaten, which we see as a waste considering that there are people who can't afford a meal," said the council's outgoing chairman Mohammed Mansoor.

"Large loads of leftovers will be now distributed to the needy, both locals and expatriates in Manama, within an hour of collection.

"No spoilt food will be distributed and, as there are volunteers for collection and distribution, a sorting team will divide the food into parcels and pack it. Ma'atams are so supportive to the scheme that they have offered drinks to go with the meals."

He said he hoped the scheme would be expanded across Manama during other events throughout the year.

Meanwhile, 100 artists, led by the celebrated Sayed Abbas Al Mousawi, are working on a large artwork for peace.

The project, called "Hussain... Peace's Lighthouse" will be completed tomorrow at the Ashoora organisers' tent in Manama. Free medical check-ups are also available at the tent, as well as poetry and cultural activities. - TradeArabia News Service