One-third of the sacrificial meat initiative: 220 tons of meat for more than 207,000 beneficiaries in Riyadh
initiative launched by the Riyadh Municipality achieved “One-Third of the Sacrifice” remarkable success during this year’s Eid al-Adha season, distributing over 220 tons of sacrificial meat to more than 207,000 beneficiaries in the Saudi capital. This achievement represents a significant 48% increase in the number of beneficiaries compared to last year, when the number reached approximately 140,000, reflecting the growing confidence in the initiative and its expanding positive impact on the community.
The initiative draws its inspiration from the Prophetic tradition that encourages dividing the sacrificial animal into three parts: one-third for the person offering the sacrifice and their family, one-third to be given as gifts to relatives and friends, and one-third to be distributed as charity to the poor and needy. Based on this principle, the “One-Third of the Sacrifice” initiative works to organize the collection and distribution of the third designated for charity through a structured institutional mechanism that ensures the meat reaches those who deserve it with the highest standards of quality and efficiency, thus transforming the religious ritual into a sustainable social solidarity project that promotes the values of compassion and generosity within the community.
Strengthening the values of solidarity: Dimensions of the One-Third of the Sacrifice Initiative
The initiative's success wasn't limited to the quantities distributed; it also extended to expanding its network of community partnerships. This year, the initiative was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and in strategic partnership with 89 specialized charitable organizations, a significant increase from 60 last year. This expansion of partnerships contributed to reaching a wider segment of deserving families in various neighborhoods of Riyadh and its governorates, while ensuring data accuracy and rapid distribution.
The volunteer aspect also witnessed a significant leap, with over 2,000 volunteers participating in the initiative, marking a remarkable 182% increase compared to the 711 volunteers in the previous year. This surge in volunteerism reflects the community's awareness of the importance of participating in charitable initiatives and contributes to instilling a culture of giving among young people, empowering them to effectively serve their community.
An integrated system to ensure efficiency and access
To achieve this success, the Riyadh Municipality relied on a comprehensive infrastructure and clear operational procedures. Thirty-eight sites were designated and equipped to receive sacrificial animals from citizens and residents, including approved slaughterhouses and the premises of partner charities. Specialized teams received, sorted, and packaged the meat according to the highest health standards. It was then transported via a fleet of refrigerated vehicles to ensure its safety and quality before being delivered to beneficiary families registered with charitable organizations, using a mechanism that guarantees privacy and preserves the dignity of the beneficiaries.
This initiative comes as part of the Riyadh Region Municipality’s strategy aimed at strengthening quality partnerships with the non-profit sector and expanding the impact of sustainable community initiatives, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enable organized charitable work and improve the quality of life for residents.
