by TMR / pic courtesy of TLFP

THE Lost Food Project (TLFP) has channelled over 1.2 million kg of surplus food which is equivalent to over 4.1 million meals to vulnerable people with the help of major wholesalers, distributors and supermarkets in the past year.

The amount of food rescued is more than triple the amount redistributed to those in need in 2020 which stood at 1.3 million meals.

As of April 3, 2022, TLFP redistributed 10.1 million meals to those in need and prevented over 7.8 million kg of greenhouse gas emissions since its inception in 2016.

In 2021, TLFP rescued and redistributed 787,693 kg of surplus fruits and vegetables, 74,406 kg of surplus bread, buns, cakes and cookies, 15,175 kg of poultry and seafood to food insecure communities.

The food bank was also able to step up to the challenge and delivered 16,022 emergency aid to families who reached out for assistance during the #BenderaPutih (also known as #White Flag) movement in Penang, Perak, Melaka, Kelantan, Perlis, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Sabah last year.

TLFP also teamed up with businesses and individuals to distribute 16,982 cooked meals to families in distress throughout the year.

“2021 opened our eyes in more ways than one. The various crises, disasters and emergencies that happened all year round were matched equally by the kindness, commitment and dedication of people working to help one another,” TLFP GM Mohd Syazwan Mokhtar said.

“Last year was a year that surpassed every expectation, and one that inspires us to continue to get more good food onto the plates of even more vulnerable families as we strive to move toward hunger and food waste-free Malaysia. We hope to provide more support during Ramadhan month, which is only possible thanks to the generosity of our donors,” he added.

TLFP currently rescues and redistributes surplus food from over 50 donors and partners with the help of over 1,300 public and corporate volunteers across the country.

The Malaysian Reserve previously reported that up to 17,000 tonnes of food waste were recorded daily in Malaysia.

TLFP alone has rescued and distributed over 1.17 million kg of surplus up until November 2021, which averages at about 26.5 tonnes of food surplus weekly, or 3.8 tonnes on a daily basis.

“Going by the SWCorp Malaysia’s data, 4,005 tonnes of edible food thrown away daily can easily feed 2.9 million people three meals a day,” Mohd Syazwan said.

TLFP currently rescues and redistributes surplus food from over 50 donors and partners with the help of over 1,300 public and corporate volunteers across the country.

Its long-term goal is to operate in more regional hubs across the country, identify all neglected communities in need of food security and increase funding to meet the costs of this growing organisation.