Twentytwo13

Munchy’s gives back by helping to feed the needy

A simple act of giving back goes a long way.

This motivated Malaysian food manufacturer Munchy’s to reach out to the urban poor and homeless to provide life’s basic necessity – food.

Munchy’s teamed up with non-governmental organisation Kechara Soup Kitchen for the past five years to give back to the community.

“We wanted to play our part to help fellow Malaysians who are facing challenges. This is our way of giving back” said Munchy’s chief executive officer Rodney Wong.

“We are sad to hear of Malaysians going hungry and worrying about having enough food on a regular basis. Kechara Soup Kitchen has a long history of helping needy Malaysians, including the homeless, by providing food.

“Their experience in this charitable area means they have effectively helped many needy people.”

Wong said his company has long admired Kechara Soup Kitchen’s work and is honoured to have supported the NGO since 2015.

“Munchy’s products are conveniently packed and can be easily stored, even without a refrigerator. This further inspired us to contribute our products.”

Munchy’s, together with Kechara Soup Kitchen, had last year visited 29 families and distributed staples like rice, cooking oil, beverages, cereal, buscuits and milk powder, among others.

Wong is glad with the company’s contribution, especially in Kuala Lumpur where the homeless and hardcore poor face pressure due to the higher cost of living.

In 2017, Kuala Lumpur City Hall revealed there were some 1,300 homeless people, including 15 children, in 15 locations – from Jalan Lumut to KLCC.

But there is little published research on the homeless in Malaysia. Privacy and access to these individuals due to their transient nature, among others, contribute to the lack of comprehensive data.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had during a forum on poverty in Kuala Lumpur last October, said the rise of rural-urban migration and the people’s limited self-development skills had contributed to the growing population of urban poor in Malaysia.

Munchy’s is now keen to collaborate with more organisations that are active in other parts of the country to help ensure Malaysians don’t go hungry.

“Going hungry has long-term negative impacts, including poorer health outcomes for people of all ages and poorer education outcomes for students, which in turn, can have a negative impact on their future,” added Wong.

Kechara Soup Kitchen project director Justin Cheah appreciates Munchy’s support in their quest to feed the underprivileged.

“It has been wonderful to have the Munchy’s team join us to deliver food. The team was also able to interact with the recipients,” said Cheah.

“We always welcome and appreciate contributions and participation from corporations and individuals who wish to help tackle poverty.”