Al Fitrah Foundation began its foodbank initiative during the pandemic, to support families in need of daily essentials. It was humbling to see the response on the ground and to be able to reach out to support the people. After seeing the progress gaining momentum, we decided that having a proper location would serve the folks better. We had been working with the team at Somali Refugee Centre (SRC) in Gombak, Kuala Lumpur on quite a few occasions with delivering and distributing food, hence, we decided that it was the most natural place to station our Foodbank.
SRC is strategically located, clean, spacious, and easily accessible to both refugee families and underprivileged locals that we support. Evaluation process is carried out upon registration. Preference is given to families with ailing and ageing parents, single parents caring for sickly children and extended family members and others on a case-to-case basis. Once approved, the beneficiaries will be informed, and an appointment will be set up to collect the desired items. The team keeps track of families receiving aid and revise the list from time to time.
The SRC team consists of Mohamed, Ibrahim, and young fellow Somalians (male and female), running this centre, they are actively involved in youth and various programs within their tight knit community, but they also welcome others in need into their fold. Food distribution is twice weekly, and everyone gets a chance to catch up too.
Alhamdulillah with Al Fitrah Foodbank’s presence at SRC we can contribute directly to over hundreds of families from different countries – Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Myanmar, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan as well as Malaysia.
Weekly food delivery varies depending on the requirements of the people – biscuits, milk, rice, tea, sugar, flour, cooking oil, eggs, baked beans, and sardines (canned), and more.
SRC receive one-off donations from individuals and organisations too and these items are welcomed add-ons.
Al Fitrah will continue with the foodbank initiative for as long as our help is needed by the people. Thank you SRC for your dedication and commitment!
