FOOD BANK
The Lembah Subang Food Bank is an initiative by P105 Petaling Jaya Member of Parliament, Maria Chin Abdullah, to distribute excess food to low income families earning less than RM1,500 per month within her constituency. The programme is run by her dedicated team of volunteers in partnership with the Food Aid Foundation and Team Selangor. Starting out as a pilot project in September 2018, the food bank expanded in 2019 to support 114 families (458 people) living in the Lembah Subang People’s Housing Project. Families are selected on a yearly basis and registration is open once each year to all those living in the housing project that meet our criteria.
Over the first three months of the Movement Control Order (MCO) from March to May 2020, the P105 food aid escalated sharply, from the regular 100 plus families in Lembah Subang, aid reached 5446 families across Taman Medan, Sri Setia, frontliners as well as refugees, migrants and the homeless. Tremendous support amounting to a total of RM 465,622.77 in cash and in kind was received and extended.
To increase effectiveness, P105 coordinated virtually with many groups serving the needy at Lembah Subang, ultimately compiling a master list of 1,095 aid receiving families. The annual Lambah Subang PPR Food Bank targeted family recruitment was postponed. WIth the availability of substantial excess of fresh vegetables, the team resumed activities in August. Once fortnightly, approximately 700 kg of rescued vegetables and limited quantities of contributed dry foods were distributed to each of the families on the masterlist by rotation. However, since the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has closed PPR halls in red zones thereby suspending further distribution.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER TODAY!
Volunteer FAQ
1. What is Lembah Subang Food Bank (LSFB)?
LSFB, under the purview of Petaling Jaya Member of Parliament, YB Maria Chin Abdullah (P105), is a food distribution program for the urban poor.
Working alongside the Food Aid Foundation (FAF), LSFB receives its weekly supply of foods rescued from wholesale markets, hypermarkets and food manufacturing factories. Instead of ending up in landfills, these excess foods are channelled to families in need at Lembah Subang PPR 1.
We aim to reduce food waste & to help address in a small way hunger and undernutrition.
2. When and where is the food bank.
Every Thursday between 10am to 1pm (previously 2pm to 6pm) at Lembah Subang PPR 1, Jalan PJU 1a/42, Taman Putra Damai, 47301, Petaling Jaya.
3. Do I have to schedule in advance or can I just show up to volunteer?
All volunteering must be scheduled in advance.
4. What should I wear?
Regular volunteers will be provided with P105 Volunteer T-shirts. Casual attire is appropriate but clothes that show the midriff, low-cut blouses, tank tops, shorts or low rise jeans will not be allowed. No high heeled shoes for safety purposes.
5. How old do I have to be to volunteer?
The general limit is that volunteers must be at least 11 years old to help at the food bank. Volunteers ages 11-15 must have one adult supervisor per five youth.
6. Do I need to bring anything to my volunteer session?
Kindly bring drinking water ideally in non-single use plastic bottles as it will be hot. Please bring your positive attitude, flexibility, and compassion! Do remember your face mask as well as it is mandatory to wear it throughout the session. Hand sanitizers will be available on-site.
7. Is there a place to lock up my personal belongings?
The community hall does not have any storage facilities. Please do not bring valuables with you to volunteer.
8. Do I have to attend a briefing session prior to volunteering?
All volunteers are required to attend a 15-min orientation and briefing session. Group leaders are asked to attend and disseminate the information for their group.
9. Will I be required to lift heavy objects?
Different tasks have different levels of physical activity including some that have none at all. If this is a concern please speak to us before coming in.
10. Are there any restrictions I should know?
Do not give away personal contact details (phone, email, address) to strangers, including food bank beneficiaries. No physical contact especially with children. Direct all questions to the food bank staff or your group leader.
11. How do I get started?
Call us at 010 – 828 1550 for more information. Schedule a volunteer session today!
“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead, Anthropologist
SPONSOR FOOD TODAY!
SPONSORSHIP FAQ
1. How can I sponsor?
Please contact the following number to confirm the details. Mobile: 017-679 3409
2. Who can be a sponsor?
Individuals, companies, clubs and foundations are welcomed to contribute in kind. No cash sponsorship will be accepted
3. What foods can I sponsor?
We are focused on providing healthy basic staples that are accessible to the B40 segment. We would appreciate donations of the following items and their various sizes to enable ease of distribution.
- Rice – 2kg, 5kg, 10kg
- Eggs – Cartons of 10s and 30s
- Curry Powder – 220 – 250gm packs
- Raw Peanuts – 500gm packs
- Cooking Oil – 1kg, 2kg, 3kg
- Canned Sardines – Any size
- Green Beans – 500gm packs
- Mung Dhall – 1kg packs
- Chickpeas – 1kg packs
4. Is there a specific amount that I am expected to contribute?
No, all amounts of the specified items are welcomed.
5. Where do I send the food donations and when?
The food donations are welcome anytime.
Please send them to the office of Maria Chin Abdullah, Petaling Jaya Member of Parliament (P105).
Address: 60-1 (First Floor), Jalan PJS 1/50 Petaling Utama Avenue, 46150 Selangor
Office Hours: Tuesday – Saturday , 10 AM – 5.30 PM
Tel: 03-7772 5931 / 011 – 1140 3861
6. How will I know my donation has reached the recipients?
You are welcome to join us on the distribution days, or we can provide photographic evidence to document the distribution.
