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NGO feeds over 150,000 families during pandemic-marred year

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Yayasan Food Bank hopes to minimise waste and make sure the poor never sleep hungry.

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Free Malaysia Today
Workers unpacking deliveries and collections and repacking them for distribution in their Kajang warehouse.

PETALING JAYA:
As the pandemic stretches on and restrictions persist, job and income losses have plunged many into crisis, with basic necessities like food and hygiene products out of reach for the country’s poorest.

“It has certainly got worse during Covid-19,” said Johan Halid, chief operating officer of Yayasan Food Bank.

“We have been doing deliveries every day, and we also supply other NGOs with food so (that) they can bring food to the areas they operate in. It used to be much easier to plan, but when the pandemic hit we started getting many more calls for help.”

Based in Kajang but with bureaus nationwide, the NGO accepts donations in both cash and in kind, with major food manufacturers like Nestle, Danone and Cocoaland in its orbit.

“If food is close to expiry, maybe within a month, and they can’t sell it to retailers, we go and collect it to distribute. Sometimes, there are packaging defects too, and they let us have those items.”

Free Malaysia Today
Johan Halid packing bags of pantry staples for delivery the next day.

While Toblerone bars and cups of yoghurt are much appreciated by the NGO and the families they help feed, he said the bulk of their aid comes when companies or people donate money as they can go out and buy staple foods and hygiene products in bulk to distribute to families.

“Every time we go out, we feed 100 families, minimum. Each package consists of at least 10kg of rice, 2kg each of sugar and flour and three litres of cooking oil, as well as whatever else we can include. So you can imagine the amount of food we need to buy.”

From their various activities around Malaysia, during which they have fed over 150,000 families this year alone, Johan said the worst affected communities have been the urban poor.

“In rural areas, you can draw from the area around you, you can forage for food if you need to.

“If you live in a PPR flat, you have to buy food, and how do you do that without money? In a rural area, you can start a fire to cook, in a low-cost flat, what happens if you can’t afford gas?”

Nasri Ahmad, 62, who has been volunteering for just under two years, said despite the long hours and at times difficult conditions, he is grateful for the opportunity to help.

“I’m a pensioner, I’m very free, so I try to spend my time here. I don’t want to be at home all day, and charity work allows me to move around.

Free Malaysia Today
Counsellor Azhar Harun has taken time off from school to help feed the hungry.

“Sometimes, I’ll be up early to distribute food in the morning, and then we’re back in the warehouse in the afternoon to pack for the next day, it’s tiring but it’s worth it.”

Azhar Harun, 53, said that normally he is a full-time school counsellor in Sungai Buloh, but the closure of schools during the pandemic has given him time to give back to the community.

“That’s why I’m a teacher, I like to help people. I’ve even seen my students suffer during the pandemic when some of their parents lost their jobs.”

He believes food is the best form of aid for many, saying: “If you give somebody a pack of rice, some noodles, flour, they can survive for a few weeks. Money can be very temporary.”

Despite the difficulties that the pandemic has forced so many to endure, Johan said it has also come with an influx of donations.

“Donations have gone up a lot, people seem to really want to help. When the public comes to us, we always encourage cash, in whatever amount they can give, big or small.”

Those looking to volunteer or donate can find more information here.

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