KUALA LUMPUR: Since its inception in 2013, Food Aid Foundation has been on a mission to tackle both hunger and food waste in Malaysia. The non-governmental organization (NGO) rescues surplus food and redistributes it to those in need, helping ensure that perfectly edible food doesn’t end up in landfills while providing sustenance to families struggling with food insecurity.
Founder Rick Chee, who spent over four decades in the food and beverage industry, started the foundation after witnessing the massive waste in the sector. He saw vast amounts of food being discarded—food that was still safe to eat but deemed unsellable. This realization spurred him to take action.
“I came from a very poor family, with 11 brothers and three sisters. My father was a lorry driver, and we struggled to make ends meet,” Chee shared with FMT Lifestyle. “Growing up, food was precious. We never wasted anything.”
Despite his challenging childhood, Chee managed to break the cycle of poverty, eventually building a successful career in the food industry. However, the widespread food waste he observed led him to create Food Aid Foundation.
“There was plenty of surplus food, but no one was connecting the donors with the people who needed it,” Chee explained. Partnering with trusted organizations, Chee invested his savings to bring his idea to life, launching the foundation in 2013.
Today, Food Aid Foundation works with prominent partners such as Lotus’s, Giant, Kawan, and KyoChon, rescuing tons of surplus food from grocery stores, manufacturers, and restaurants. The organization also collects “imperfect” produce, such as misshapen vegetables from local markets, which would otherwise be discarded or sold at discounted prices.
Redistributing Surplus Food Across Kuala Lumpur
During a recent visit to their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, FMT Lifestyle witnessed the foundation’s operations firsthand. Every day is different, but the goal remains the same: to redistribute food to those in need. On the day of our visit, a Food Aid Foundation truck set off early to collect baskets of bread from Pastry World in Shah Alam for distribution to households in various People’s Housing Programme (PPR) flats in Kuala Lumpur.
At PPR Sri Sarawak, home to over 780 families, committee member Sharifah Rodiah expressed gratitude for the donations. “These breads are quite fresh. They don’t sell because of their size, but we’re happy to receive them. Not everyone can afford bread like this,” she said. Sharifah also noted that the foundation’s help extends to other low-income communities, ensuring that the food reaches those who need it most.
In addition to rescuing bread, the foundation collects fresh vegetables and even prepares hot meals in its large kitchen to be delivered to various welfare homes. Serving over 70 welfare homes, Food Aid Foundation’s reach extends beyond the Klang Valley to other states as well. The NGO also provides emergency aid during crises, such as the recent floods in Kelantan.
Fighting Food Insecurity in an Urban Landscape
As Malaysia grapples with rising living costs, Chee highlighted that the urban poor are often the hardest hit. “Poverty is hidden behind nice highways and beautiful landscapes. It’s out of sight for many of us,” he explained. “But for over a decade, we’ve seen that food insecurity is a harsh reality for many.”
In just one year, Food Aid Foundation distributed nearly RM20 million worth of food. Despite this significant impact, Chee stressed the importance of education in combatting food waste. He believes that raising awareness, particularly among children, about the value of food and the resources used to produce it is key to creating lasting change.
“People don’t realize how much effort goes into growing food, and yet we throw it away because it’s convenient,” Chee said. “We’ve been fortunate with Mother Nature’s abundance, but we need to act before it’s too late.”
As Food Aid Foundation continues its mission to feed the hungry and reduce food waste, Chee remains hopeful that a shift in mindset can bring about long-term change for both the environment and the people of Malaysia.
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