IN a concerted effort to combat food insecurity, the Lions Club of Penang Komtar and the Lions Club of Georgetown City have partnered to deliver 23 boxes of care packages to the Pengkalan Kota service centre.
These packages, containing a total of 4,968 meal portions, are expected to benefit over 20,000 individuals in Penang, addressing both their hunger and nutritional needs.
The initiative was organised by Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organisation dedicated to ending hunger by mobilising volunteers in meal-packing events.
Each care package includes rice, soybeans, dehydrated vegetables, and 23 essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring that the recipients not only receive sustenance but also vital nutrients for a healthier lifestyle.
Lions Club Penang Komtar president Henry Oh highlighted the global challenge of food insecurity, stressing that nearly 795 million people worldwide struggle with hunger.
“I am honoured to be part of this effort to provide life-changing food relief to those in need and contribute to ending global hunger,” he said.
The care packages, each containing 216 small meal packs, were handed over to Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng and his team, who will oversee the distribution to the most vulnerable in the community.
Some of the packages will also be donated to non-profit organisations, including elderly care homes and orphanages within the constituency.
Wong expressed his gratitude for the support, stating: “We will ensure that these care packages are distributed to the most deserving families and individuals in our community.”
He added that while the packages may seem small, each can provide meals for four to six people, offering a critical lifeline for those facing daily food insecurity.
Lions Club of Georgetown City president Leong Sook Wah echoed the sentiment, thanking Rise Against Hunger for entrusting the Lions Club with this important task.
“These packages are not only nutritious but also serve as emergency relief food, as the dry ingredients can be easily cooked into a hot meal by simply placing them in a rice cooker,” she explained.
The donation ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including special assistants to Deputy Finance Minister and Tanjung MP Lim Hui Ying, representatives from the Pengkalan Kota state assembly, and several Lions Club leaders.
Among them were Manpal Singh, Sim Mee Wan, Anthony Lim, Audrey Ang, Ooi Chee Beng, and Ong Hong Sing.
The Lions Club International District 308 B2 was also represented by Zone 4 chairperson Datin Chang Yinn Ping, and Amy Yeoh.