FOR the past four years, the Helwa’s Kitchen food bank run by university students for their needy cohorts has been struggling to keep afloat, so much so that its weekly handouts have been cut down to twice a month.

But a national food bank programme to be introduced this year could be the kitchen’s salvation, said its organiser, Ahmad Farhan Rosli, who is also National Association of Malaysian Islamic Students secretary-general.

“When we heard that the government was introducing a national food bank, we saw it is as something that should be supported by all university students.

“Students who cannot afford to buy food should meet those in charge of such programmes at their universities,” he said.

Announced by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution, the Food Bank Malaysia programme was launched last December and is aimed at reducing the cost of living for consumers, especially those in the bottom 40% of households (B40) group.

The initiative is also aimed at reducing food wastage.

A special bill to regulate Food Bank Malaysia is being drawn up and expected to be tabled at year-end. 

“Now, through crowdfunding and donations, we are trying to deliver food more than twice a month, although we used to be able to do it once a week.

“We do not have a list or database and we give our food out for free. But as the programme goes on, we are hoping to create one and follow up with those who frequent our food distributions areas,” Ahmad told The Malaysian Insight.

He said they usually distributed the food at mosques or public areas.

“Usually, we have a ‘speaker’s corner’ to discuss issues faced by university students, like humanitarian or national issues. After the discussions, we distribute the food.”

The idea to set up Helwa’s Kitchen began in 2015, following reports that university students were skipping meals due to financial woes.

Helwa’s Kitchen now feeds students from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Selangor, Unisel Bestari Jaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, International Islamic University Malaysia (Gombak and Kuantan), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, International Islamic College and UNITI College Port Dickson.

Ahmad added that the programme depended heavily on donations.

“We collect donations from lecturers or individuals, and buy about 100 to 250 packs of food and water bottles and give them out for free. The food is usually gone in 10 minutes.

“We know there are students who cannot afford to eat because they are trying to save money. Sometimes, they do not have money because they spend it on textbooks or other academic needs.” – February 4, 2019.