World Milk Day - A meaningful collaboration with Yayasan Food Bank through 'Eat Well with Fonterra'
“Eat Well with Fonterra” program provides four weeks’ worth of groceries with two daily recipe plans to promote sustainable and balanced meal plans for B40 families
In conjunction with World Milk Day, we took the opportunity to further establish ourselves as the global dairy nutrition company in providing Malaysians proper nourishment which is wholesome and nutritious like milk. We collaborated with YFB to continue enriching lives and making a positive difference in the community we live in.
SELANGOR, 20 JUNE 2021 - Committed to continuing enriching lives, Fonterra Brands Malaysia, together with Yayasan Food Bank, kicked off “Eat Well with Fonterra”, a CSR initiative that provides a total of 120 individuals from 20 families with weekly groceries and nutritious meal plans from 20 June to 18 July 2021.
The program aims to create a lasting impact for families located in Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) flats Kota Damansara by educating them on proper nourishment that is attainable, sustainable, and easily replicated. With the help of Fonterra’s in-house nutritionist and chefs, daily breakfast and lunch recipes were curated and provided along with weekly groceries that were distributed by partner NGO, Yayasan Food Bank.
With the increase of COVID-19 cases and extended lockdown in Malaysia, the food aid and collection of recipes serve the community in its hour of need while integrating sustainability into the people’s thinking. Following Fonterra’s sustainable goals – Healthy People, Healthy Environment and Health Business, the initiative contributes to the brand’s strategy of building a sustainable future as families can continue to consume basic nutrition using reasonably priced ingredients to ensure optimum functionality and health.
“Many low-income families who rely on food banks are struggling to meet day-to-day expenses and prepare meals for their children. At Fonterra, our goal has always been to provide Malaysians with accessibility to proper nourishment. Especially during this critical time of need, we wanted to deliver a sustainable solution that goes beyond monetary donations so that families can maintain a healthy living lifestyle at a minimal cost.” said Carolyn Lim, HR Director of Fonterra Brands Malaysia.
“By equipping them with basic knowledge on nutrition and the concept of a balanced meal, the families learn to cook healthily for each other by referring to the menu created. We were careful to ensure that the recipes were nothing out of their ordinary, but rather a healthier spin to their usual lifestyle and food choices.”
Carolyn also mentioned that it was a rewarding experience as families were able to have proper meals while channelling the income saved for other commitments such as house rent, utility bills, and medical fees.
Encik Johan Halid, Chief Operating Officer of Yayasan Food Bank, also shared his experience working on the program noting that it was worthwhile to see the spirits of the families boosted as their burdens were lifted.
“It was an honour to work alongside Fonterra on this meaningful program. Being on the ground, we were able to spread positivity and boost the families' morale during this challenging period. The families we worked with has also shared that the program has allowed them to be more involved with one another as they make effort to bond and have meals together.” said Encik Johan.
He added, “At the start of the campaign, families had a tough time adapting to cooking meals every day as they do not have the luxury of time. But with continuous support from family members, they manage to see the fruit of a balanced meal as they experience an increase in energy throughout the month.”
Puan Ruzita, a participating beneficiary of the program mentioned that she feels lucky to have gained knowledge in the preparation of nutritious meals.
“Prior to this program, I was not aware of the importance of a balanced meal. I am glad to be introduced to new meal ideas that were complete with nutritional requirements of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, grains, and dairy. InsyaAllah, I will continue to practice preparing the recipes provided to my family and hopefully, this program can be extended to other families too.”
As part of Fonterra’s internal communication efforts, Eat Well with Fonterra was initiated with the help of its employees as they donated their week’s lunch money to fund the campaign. For every donation made, the brand completed its pledge to double the donation amount.
Fonterra remains commited to building a more sustainable future for Malaysians and the generations to come.