To ensure that the most vulnerable among us are not left behind during the government-mandated Movement Control Order (MCO), Tesco Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is collaborating with multiple NGOs to reach further to those in need.
Photo via Tesco Malaysia
Since 2016, Tesco has worked with soup kitchens like Food Aid Foundation (FAF) and Kechara Soup Kitchen in donating its surplus food to the underprivileged, and will now be undertaking with the help of two more NGOs, namely Kembara Kitchen and RumahKita.
These two new collaborations were conceived organically due to the need that came on the back of the implementation of the MCO.
Tesco Corporate Services Director, Azliza Azmel said that Tesco is always looking for ways to contribute positively to the community. “This could not be truer now, especially during the MCO where livelihoods may have been impacted.”
“We are conscious of this and have been working together with our food bank partners to ensure a continuous supply of food, including fruits and vegetables and bakery for the most vulnerable in the communities where we operate. As a retailer, we can provide the food products, but it is our NGO partners that go on that final mile to ensure those who need it the most receive help,” she added.
Photo via Tesco Malaysia
While we are able to stockpile during the MCO, there are many others out there who cannot. Tesco in collaboration with FAF has since the beginning of the MCO, provided food essentials such as rice, cooking oil and canned foods to many charity homes across the country.
Food Aid Foundation operations director, Afraz Said said, with the already existing financial hardships, those who are dependent on daily pay or are temporarily out of work are struggling even more, “It is times like this that food banks operations see a huge surge of demand.”
Photo via Tesco Malaysia
Moreover, as a ‘thank you’ to all the frontliners working tirelessly to ensure the safety and health of the nation, Tesco has and still will be providing equipment and food items to many hospitals across the country. Its store colleagues meanwhile have been organizing cooked food distributions for the police and military so they won’t go hungry while serving the nation.
“It has also come to our attention that not just humans but animals are also left vulnerable during the MCO and needed help. Because of that, we have now started a food surplus donation programme to Zoo Negara, in collaboration with Kembara Kitchen where we donate our surplus meat, chicken, and seafood twice a week to ensure the animals will not go hungry and at the same time prevent the food from going to waste,” said Azliza.
We’re happy that everyone is looking out for each other during these difficult times, including our animal friends at the zoo!
For those who are at home, remember to regularly wash your hands and stay healthy!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
