Last week, the local non-profit celebrated its 10th anniversary with the launch of The Lost Food Project Distribution Centre, a brand-new facility located on Jalan Chan Sow Lin here today.
“Ten years ago, we started our association. Who would have thought that since then, we would have grown so much – that we would have delivered over 25 million meals and counting?” founder Suzanne Mooney said.
TLFP’s new facility – a former Pos Malaysia distribution centre spanning about 6,000 sq ft – increases the organisation’s capacity to rescue surplus, nutritious foods from landfills and redirect them to vulnerable communities.
It was made possible through the support of Pos Malaysia, dedicated donors, corporate partners, and government collaborators.
This directly supports Malaysia’s goals to reduce food loss, enhance the resilience of local food systems, and uplift underserved populations – all while lowering the carbon footprint of the nation’s food supply chain.
The launch on Friday was officiated by the Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim. Also present was deputy domestic trade and cost of living minister Fuziah Salleh.
Mooney, a former BBC journalist, said the facility would help TLFP’s many dedicated friends and volunteers fight hunger and combat waste in a safer, more dignified and more efficient manner.
She said TLFP’s upcoming plans include expanding its operations in Perak, with a new facility to be opened in Ipoh that would allow them to collect produce from farmers in Cameron Highlands.
While much has been achieved in enhancing the country’s food security and sustainability, Mooney believes a lot can still be done. According to her, some 4,000 tonnes of edible food are still being discarded in Malaysia daily – the equivalent of 11.5 million meals wasted.
“Education and advocacy are very important parts of the work we do. We believe we can only change society if people understand the problem.
“We also need governments to help reshape food policies, and to encourage and guide food companies to follow best environmental practices,” Mooney said.
She noted that the Malaysian government has been very supportive on issues pertaining to food banking, and that the nation has the potential to become a world leader in this sector.
Since its founding in 2015, TLFP has served approximately 25 million meals through the rescue of 9 million kg of surplus food. As a result, about 22 million kg in greenhouse gas emissions have been avoided.
The organisation works with food manufacturers, supermarkets and other suppliers to redirect surplus foods to a growing network of charities and soup kitchens.
Each month, its efforts support over 20,000 families from the B40 community, 150,000 underserved people, 50 People’s Housing Projects (PPR), and 107 charities across the country.
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The Lost Food Project
Pusat Bekalan Pos Malaysia
Jalan Chan Sow Lin,
55200 Kuala Lumpur