FedEx: Sowing Seeds of Hope for Underprivileged Urban Communities
FedEx Malaysia, in collaboration with TrEES, addresses food insecurity through a community vegetable garden initiative, now in its second year, providing fresh vegetables to the underprivileged urban communities.
In Malaysia, an estimated 4.5%[1] of people living in urban areas face poor living conditions. The high cost of living poses significant challenges, making access to basic necessities and food essential for their survival. Food insecurity in these communities often leads to poor nutrition, increased health issues and limited opportunities for growth and development.
FedEx and TrEES: A Collaborative Effort to Address Food Insecurity
Recognizing this challenge, FedEx Malaysia, in collaboration with non-profit organization Treat Every Environment Special (TrEES), has stepped up to address food insecurity through its community vegetable garden initiative. Now in its second year, the program delivers fresh vegetables to underserved communities, enhancing nutrition and reducing food costs.
The initiative kicked off with the establishment of a vegetable garden managed by TrEES and supported by nearly 100 FedEx volunteers. The garden produces enough vegetables to supply approximately 700 meals every month to welfare homes and vulnerable groups. Welfare homes benefiting from the initiative, such as Pusat Jagaan Ros Biru in Klang, reported a 20% reduction in grocery expenses, enabling them to redirect resources toward other critical needs.
âAt FedEx, we are driven by our purpose to connect people and possibilities, creating opportunities for meaningful change,â said Tien Long Woon, managing director of FedEx Malaysia. âThrough our collaboration with TrEES, we are helping to address food insecurity and promoting sustainability, while also amplifying our community engagement efforts. By working together, we can uplift underserved communities and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.â
âCollaborations like the one with FedEx are pivotal in scaling the impact of our initiatives,â said Leela Panikkar, director of TrEES. âWith their support, we have expanded our reach, delivering fresh produce to improve the health and livelihood of local communities. This collaboration addresses immediate needs while emphasizing the importance of collective action in building stronger, more sustainable communities.â
Positive Impact on Communities
The TrEES community vegetable garden has had a positive and lasting impact on both individuals and the broader community. By providing fresh vegetables year-round, the initiative reduces food insecurity and improves nutrition. Beneficiaries have shared how this support has helped them through challenging times, providing a sense of hope and stability.
âThe fresh vegetables have been a blessing for us,â shared a recipient from Pusat Jagaan Ros Biru. âTheyâve made our meals healthier and more varied, which is important for the well-being of our residents. Weâre incredibly grateful for this support as it has made a meaningful difference in our lives.â
Other recipients from Pusat Jagaan Ros Biru have also shared heartfelt stories about how the initiative has brightened their lives. “Every time TrEES sends us the vegetables, we feel so happy knowing weâll enjoy delicious, nutritious meals,” said one recipient. Another recipient added, âThe fresh vegetables have eased a lot of our worries. Theyâve made us feel more confident about having enough food.â
Beyond addressing food insecurity, the program promotes healthier eating habits and strengthens social bonds by bringing people together with a shared purpose. The volunteers, comprised of FedEx employees, play a vital role in maintaining the garden and, in the process, gain valuable skills in sustainable farming and healthy eating – skills they can carry forward into their own homes and communities.
Empowering Communities and Fostering Sustainability
To ensure the sustainability of the initiative beyond FedEx involvement, TrEES plans to transform the garden into a dedicated training center for sustainable agriculture. This hub will provide participants with practical skills in gardening and resource management while generating income through the sale of seedlings and compost. The revenue will support the gardenâs operational costs and inspire other communities to establish their own vegetable gardens, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable food practices.
Vision for a Sustainable Future
While TrEES drives the long-term vision of building self-sustaining ecosystems through its community vegetable garden initiative, the collaboration with FedEx amplifies the programâs reach and impact. Together, they address immediate food insecurity while fostering resilience and promoting the future well-being of Malaysiaâs underserved population.
âAs TrEES continues to expand this initiative, FedEx Malaysia is proud to have supported efforts that create a lasting impact by providing sustainable solutions and empowering communities,â added Tien Long Woon.
Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
This collaboration exemplifies the transformative power of corporate social responsibility. By uniting resources and expertise, FedEx and TrEES are fostering meaningful change, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/795371/poverty-rate-of-rural-and-urban-areas-malaysia/
