In an effort to provide immediate nutritional support to the urban poor and vulnerable communities, Nestle Malaysia and Brand Nestle EveryDay, has teamed up with Persatuan Empayar Kebajikan Malaysia (Empire Project), a non-governmental organization (NGO), to distribute more than 20,000 nutrition packs to B40 families.
The community initiative is part of the company’s “Bekalan Nutrisi” (nutrition supplies) campaign with the aim of educating Malaysians on the importance of good nutrition for health, while facing numerous challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nestle Malaysia milks division business executive officer Lam Pui Yuee said the time is crucial now to ensure the underprivileged, particularly from B40 families, have access to basic nutrition to support the immune system.
“Faced with financial challenges as well as a sedentary lifestyle amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, many familes and young children are deprived of a proper and balanced diet. It is our hope that we will be able to raise awareness and cultivate beneficial change towards improving nutritional intake especially amongst the vulnerable communities,” she said.
Lam said each nutrition pack contained Nestle EveryDay Milk Powder (300 gram) and Nestum All Family Cereal (250 gram), providing essential vitamins and minerals to support children’s growth and family’s well-being.
“We at Nestle are conscious of the challenges faced by the low-income families, which has resulted in nutrient deficiencies in these B40 communities. Our ongoing commitment to nutrition is reflected in our continued effort to ensure that we are able to provide tasty, affordable and nutritious high-quality products to all Malaysians and we will continue to support those who are in need,” she said.
A study by UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) titled “Families on the Edge” published on May 2021, revealed that there are increased concerns about the rising food and nutrition insecurity among low-income families during the pandemic, as malnutrition and obesity are prevalent in Malaysia’s B40 community.
“A healthy and balanced diet is vital to maintaining a healthy immune system to prevent, fight and recover from health challenges, paving the way for all to stay resilient,” added Lam.
Empire Project founder Mohd Ashraff Khan said the Covid-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on low-income families, with severe consequences for children’s welfare and wellbeing.
“The number of people in need of food assistance has increased threefold as compared to last year. I hope more people and organizations will stand together for Malaysia and continue to help each other,” he said.
