KUALA LUMPUR: For some, 5.30am is still a time of deep slumber, while for others, it marks the start of a busy day ahead.At the Food Aid Foundation, boots are already on the ground.
The staff are in a race against time to collect surplus and unsold produce from the Selayang wet market here.
Food rescues are a 24/7 routine, with the group’s mission being to rescue surplus food across the supply chain and distribute them to those in need.
They also function as a food bank that accepts non-perishable and perishable food items.
The Food Aid Foundation also has its own warehouse, cold room, van and chiller truck to collect and redistribute items to beneficiaries.
“Time is of the essence for us. A good 90% of the food we rescue is close to expiration.
“Some even have just two days left (of shelf life),” said foundation founder Rick Chee.
Founded in 2013, he said it was his four decades-long experience in the food service industry that prompted him to begin the initiative.
“I witnessed so much surplus food from restaurants, hotels and manufacturers being discarded during my career.
“Morally, I felt it was wrong to throw them away when there were people in need of food,” he said in an interview.
Chee said their operations are also not limited to food rescues at wet markets, but also from hypermarkets, manufacturers, bakeries, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and companies.
He noted that food rescues at the Selayang wet market also took place twice daily, in the morning and at about 5.30pm.
From trash to treasure: The Food Aid Foundation rescues surplus food across the supply chain and distributes them to vulnerable groups and those in need. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
Detailing their overall operations, Chee said collection was only one part of the entire food rescue process, with distribution being another critical aspect.
“On a regular basis, we cook hot meals and distribute them to targeted groups.
“We serve everyone in need. Since there are many beneficiaries, we also work with other non-profit organisations.
“We want to bring a positive impact to the right people,” he said.
Since its inception, the group has rescued about RM34mil worth of food annually across various sections of the supply chain.
Coming right up: The Food aid Foundation also prepares hot meals forthe underprivileged using the surplus food items it rescues.
Last year, the Food Aid Foundation also rescued 1.8 million kilogrammes of food, distributed RM31mil worth of food, and handed out 1.8 million meals.
Regarding the preparation of hot meals, Chee said the group operated a commercial kitchen to offer ready-to-eat food to the impoverished, in addition to creating cyclic menus.
“There is also a mini laboratory to ensure the food is safe before being passed to beneficiaries.
“The kitchen can also be mobilised during emergencies to provide hot food, not only for victims but also volunteers on the ground,” he said.
Some 127 communities are being served by the Food Aid Foundation, spanning a variety of groups, including refugees, welfare homes, shelter houses and the urban poor.
The Food Aid Foundation has also established a network with partners and branches across the country, using the same food rescue model, according to Chee.
Some manufacturers also send their food directly to the foundation, he added.
What motivates the Food Aid Foundation to keep going?
Here to help: Chee said hisfour-decade-long experiencein the food service industryprompted him to start theFood aid Foundation.
Chee said it was the instant gratitude on the recipients’ faces.
“While I spent the last 40 years in corporate, doing charitable work is a very different experience.
“Putting food on the table can result in instant gratitude for recipients. This motivates us to continue doing more,” he said.
Madewith love:Last year, theFood aidFoundationhanded out 1.8million meals.
Chee said they were truly humbled and honoured to be singled out as a Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winner this year.
“It is a testament to our unwavering belief that the power of community and compassion can make positive changes and have a great impact on the people’s lives, especially the underprivileged,” he said.
For their noble efforts, the Food Aid Foundation has been named as one of the 10 winners of the SGHA 2024.
SGHA is an annual award by The Star that honours everyday Malaysian unsung heroes.
For more details, visit sgha.com.my.
