FOOD DISTRIBUTION TO HOMELESS

 

The United Nations defines hunger as the occurrence of severe food insecurity, which refers to the situation where individuals are unable to eat for entire days due to financial constraints, limited access to food, or insufficient resources. Extended periods of food insecurity can lead to malnutrition, which occurs when the body lacks the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for optimal health and development.

            Hunger and food insecurity have become increasingly prevalent on a global scale since 2015. This concerning trend has been further intensified by various factors, such as the pandemic, conflicts, climate change, and growing disparities.

In 2022, the global population experiencing chronic hunger reached around 735 million individuals, accounting for 9.2% of the world's population. This represents a significant increase from the figures recorded in 2019, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the emergence of a growing crisis. Moreover, an estimated 2.4 billion people encountered moderate to severe food insecurity in 2022, indicating their inadequate access to adequate nourishment. This figure rose by a concerning 391 million people compared to 2019.

            As for Malaysia, based on the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI), Malaysia is positioned at the 56th spot among 125 countries that have adequate data for calculating the 2023 GHI scores. Malaysia's hunger level is classified as moderate, with a score of 12.5 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index. Malaysia, despite having a relatively higher GDP compared to other countries grappling with hunger problems, faces the challenge of higher rates of malnourishment and impaired growth among its population. A significant 12% of children in Malaysia consume less than three meals per day, while a staggering 97% of households express concerns about the exorbitant cost of food, which consequently hampers their ability to provide nutritious meals for their children.

            The children in Malaysia are greatly affected by poverty and malnutrition, which has long-lasting consequences. A significant number of four-year-old children, around 23%, suffer from stunted growth, while 22% are underweight and 32% are thinner than the average. A study conducted in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, focusing on 16 low-cost Public Housing Projects, revealed that 22% of children under the age of five experienced stunted growth, which is twice the global rate.

            Despite the persistence of these challenges, Malaysia has witnessed significant advancements over the past few decades. In 1970, poverty afflicted half of all Malaysian households; however, within a span of just 15 years, Malaysia successfully reduced the absolute poverty rate by more than half. This positive trajectory has continued in recent decades, with only 5.1% of households being classified as poor in 2002.

            A number of Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are actively working towards addressing poverty and hunger within the country. One notable organisation is Rise Against Hunger Malaysia, which is dedicated to providing food and assistance to vulnerable communities in Malaysia. Since its establishment in 1998, the organisation has implemented various initiatives aimed at combating hunger and poverty. These initiatives encompass a meal packaging programme and several sustainable community development projects. As of July 2020, Rise Against Hunger Malaysia has successfully packaged 12,866,000 meals within the country. 

            In light of this situation, how can I, as a student, play a role in addressing this issue within our country?

            When I was in Form 4, I was given a valuable opportunity to participate in a group project that aimed to serve the community. It was a project that not only allowed us to learn about the importance of giving back but also provided us with a chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others. After much brainstorming and discussion, our team unanimously decided to organise the "Food Distribution to the Homeless" initiative.

            To ensure the success of our project, we knew that we needed the support and involvement of our parents. So, we approached them with our idea and were overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and willingness to help. They not only provided us with guidance and advice but also actively participated in the planning and execution of the initiative.

            The first step was to gather food donations from our community. We reached out to local grocery stores, restaurants, and individuals, explaining our cause and requesting their support. The response we received was heartwarming. People were eager to contribute and showed immense generosity by donating various food items. Our parents played a crucial role in coordinating these efforts, contacting potential donors, and arranging for the collection of the donated food.

Once we had collected a substantial amount of food, the next challenge was to distribute it to those in need. We decided to collaborate with a local homeless shelter, as they had the necessary infrastructure and experience in dealing with such initiatives. Our parents helped us establish contact with the shelter and arrange a meeting to discuss the logistics of the distribution.

On the day of the distribution, my team and I, along with our parents, gathered at the shelter. We were greeted by the staff and residents, who expressed their gratitude for our efforts. It was a humbling experience to witness the impact our project was making on the lives of these individuals. We set up stations where the food was organised and packaged, ensuring that each person received a balanced meal.

As we distributed the food, we had the opportunity to interact with the homeless individuals and hear their stories. It was eye-opening to realise that many of them were facing difficult circumstances beyond their control. This experience taught us the importance of empathy and compassion, and reinforced our commitment to continue serving the community in any way we could.

            In conclusion, the issue of hunger and malnutrition remains a significant problem in Malaysia, primarily impacting the impoverished population, especially children. Nevertheless, Malaysia has made commendable efforts to improve the living standards of its citizens, demonstrating remarkable progress. The future appears promising with potential policy measures like the introduction of universal childcare allowance and the reevaluation of the Poverty Line Income.