PETALING JAYA: From warehouse shelves to dinner tables, the Food Aid Foundation is moving faster and smarter than ever.
Since being named as one of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winners last year, the foundation has delivered surplus food worth RM12.3mil, equivalent to more than two million meals to communities across Malaysia.
On top of that, funding from the award allowed it to manage daily operations more efficiently, enabling improved food sorting and storage, reducing spoilage and improving turnaround.
“Being a winner of the SGHA was a turning point. It did more than affirm that we were on the right path.
“It opened doors we previously could not access.
“Public interest grew, new partners reached out and there was greater awareness around the issues we tackle daily, including food waste, hunger and poverty,” said general manager Afraz Said.
She said more than 80 individuals from low-income groups had received culinary and entrepreneurship training with support from a corporate sponsor.
“Several participants even launched small food businesses. The SGHA indirectly supported this effort by easing operational burdens such as kitchen upkeep and transportation,” she said in an interview.
The foundation has also expanded its entrepreneurship training programme to Kelantan, with the goal of bringing it to more states.
Afraz said the SGHA helped the foundation to maintain a small emergency reserve, which came in handy during the floods that struck Kelantan late last year.
“We were able to act quickly and provide food relief. Even modest flexibility can make a big difference during crises,” Afraz said, noting that the foundation also worked with Star Media Group for the Food for Soul 2.0 initiative to feed needy families during Ramadan. Sustainability, however, remains the foundation’s biggest challenge.
“Before this, we often faced tough choices like being stuck between either fixing a vehicle or running a training session.
“The award did not remove these pressures but gave us some breathing space.
“We used the funds to cover essential expenses such as fuel, vehicle repairs, kitchen maintenance and warehouse operations,” she said, adding that rising demand is another challenge.
“Since the Covid-19 pandemic and with the rising cost of living, more families are seeking help.
“We responded by working smarter, building stronger systems and leaning into partnerships that focus not only on food relief but also long-term community empowerment,” Afraz added.
The SGHA returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others.
With McDonald’s Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide.
This year also marks the debut of the McDonald’s Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways.
Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
