How Often Do You Throw Away Food?
KUALA LUMPUR: How often do you throw food away just because it’s past its expiration date? You might be wasting more than you think.
The Problem of Food Waste
Food Aid Foundation has spent over a decade ensuring fewer Malaysians go to bed hungry. Their mission is simple but powerful: to rescue and redistribute surplus food. The NGO recovers perfectly good food that is near expiration or unsellable but still safe to eat, and gets it to those in need – ensuring it feeds people, not landfills.
The Story of Food Aid Foundation
Founder Rick Chee told FMT Lifestyle that growing up, he never witnessed food waste. "I came from a very poor family. Imagine having 11 brothers and three sisters – and your father is a lorry driver. We siblings had to fight over what was on the table."
Although his childhood was tough, Chee was fortunate to break the cycle of poverty and build a successful career in the food and beverage industry.
Partnerships and Rescues
Chee observed that there were food-surplus donors and recipients: all that was missing was a middleman. With trusted partners, he poured his savings into launching Food Aid Foundation in 2013, turning his idea into reality. The NGO partners with major grocers like Lotus’s and Giant, leading manufacturers like Kawan, and restaurant chains like KyoChon to rescue tonnes of surplus food.
‘Plenty to Go Around’
FMT Lifestyle recently visited their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur to see their work in action. Each day is different, and this morning, operations began early as their truck set off to Pastry World in Shah Alam to collect baskets of bread for distribution. The truck then headed to various People’s Housing Programme (PPR) flats in KL, ensuring the food would be equally distributed among households.
Rescuing Surplus Food
At PPR Sri Sarawak, home to over 780 households, committee member Sharifah Rodiah shared that Food Aid Foundation has been providing donations since 2019. "These breads are quite fresh. Even if left outside for two weeks, they don’t go stale. It’s just the size – some are bigger, some are smaller – so they don’t sell them to customers. Instead, they give them to us, and we’re very grateful. Not everyone can afford to buy bread like this."
Beyond Daily Aid
The team also rescues fresh vegetables from the Selayang market – produce deemed "not pretty enough" that would otherwise be discarded or resold cheaply. With a large kitchen at their headquarters, they are able to cook and deliver fresh meals to those in need.
Supporting Welfare Homes
Supporting more than 70 welfare homes, the NGO’s impact extends across the Klang Valley as well as to other states. Beyond daily aid, they also respond to emergencies, providing relief during crises like the recent floods in Kelantan.
Conclusion
Food Aid Foundation’s efforts have distributed close to RM20 million worth of food in just one year. While their impact is undeniable, Chee stressed that real change starts with educating children in schools about food waste. "People fail to understand how much resources have been put into cultivating or growing food, and we simply throw it away like it’s nobody’s business just because we’re able to," he noted. "I think Mother Nature has been kind to us for too many years. We have to act on it before it’s too late."
FAQs
- How can I get involved with Food Aid Foundation?
- Visit their website or Facebook profile to learn more and get involved.
- What is the mission of Food Aid Foundation?
- To rescue and redistribute surplus food to those in need.
- How does Food Aid Foundation partner with food donors and recipients?
- By working with trusted partners, including major grocers, manufacturers, and restaurant chains, to rescue tonnes of surplus food.
- What is the impact of Food Aid Foundation’s efforts?
- In just one year, they have distributed close to RM20 million worth of food.