FedEx: Sowing seeds of hope for underprivileged urban communities

Media reports have showed that in Malaysia, approximately 4.5% 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.

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.

“At FedEx, we are driven by our purpose to connect people and possibilities, creating opportunities for meaningful change,” said FedEx Malaysia managing director Woon Tien Long.

“Through 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,” added Woon.

TrEES director Leela Panikkar said the collaboration was vital to address immediate needs while emphasizing the importance of collective action in building stronger, more sustainable communities.

“Collaborations like the one with FedEx are pivotal in scaling the impact of our initiatives.

“With their support, we have expanded our reach, delivering fresh produce to improve the health and livelihood of local communities,” she said.

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.

“The fresh vegetables have been a blessing for us,” shared a recipient from Pusat Jagaan Ros Biru. “They’ve made our meals healthier and more varied, which is important for the well-being of our residents. We’re grateful for this support as it has made a meaningful difference in our lives.”

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.

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 garden’s operational costs and inspire other communities to establish their own vegetable gardens, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable food practices.

The collaborative effort between FedEx and TrEES exemplifies the transformative power of corporate social responsibility, fostering meaningful change and paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for future generations.