JOHOR BAHRU: No one should have to go hungry, especially in a world with as much wealth as ours. But the sad reality is that more than 821 million people are currently suffering from hunger. That’s one in nine people on earth who don’t have enough to eat.

Hunger is a complex problem with many root causes, including poverty, conflict, and climate change. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are things that we can all do to help bring an end to world hunger — and opportunities to create systemic change.

While world hunger is a massive and complex problem, it’s important to remember that each and every one of us can do something about it — whether through combating food waste, advocating for fair policies, or supporting nonprofits.

Thistle Hotel Johor Bahru became the first member hotel under the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Johor Chapter to contribute 200 packs of food to non-governmental organization (NGO), Ihsan Johor marking the first corporate social responsibility collaboration (CSR) with the Social Hero Foundation (SHF) to help feed the needy in Johor.

The initiative will take place over 6 months, and ends in December this year, where 15 hotels are expected to participate.

Meanwhile chairman of MAH Johor chapter Ivan Teo said, “Feeding the hungry not only provides nourishment to their bodies but also feeds their souls. It brings hope, happiness, and a sense of belonging.”

He said when we come together to address hunger, we contribute to creating a world where no one has to go to bed hungry.

“One of the greatest feelings in the world is knowing that we as individuals can make a difference. Ending hunger in Johor is a goal that is literally within our grasp,” he remarked.

Not mincing his words, he said that if you want to eliminate hunger, everybody has to be involved.

Lunch packs, he said will involve distribution to the disabled, single mothers, elderly, orphaned, homeless, remote Orang Asli community, and the urban poor below the poverty line index concentrated in areas spread over Johor Bahru.

Teo said, “Each participating hotel will prepare at least 200 packs of food on every Saturday in a month, for six months.”

“They say that no man is an island. We all need each other to survive and thrive. And with so many people suffering from homelessness and disability around Johor Bahru, there’s never been a better time to give back and help others,” he stressed.

Several NGOs under the umbrella of the SHF namely Free Market Johor, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Green Earth Society, Yayasan Suria Johor Bahru, Ihsan Johor, Pekekal, and 448 food bank will assist with the collection of lunch packs from the 15 hotels and distribute them to several geographical areas spread over the city, identified as critical locations for the needy.

Datuk Seri Teo Shiok Fu, a trustee of SHF said each of us has our own burdens. But that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything to ease each other’s loads. Even very simple gestures of kindness can make a lot of difference.

“A simple smile or words of encouragement can make someone’s day. Those food items, you’ve donated can change a life. And a simple care package can help a homeless or needy person get through the day,” he said.

He said that’s the beauty of giving back and helping. You don’t need to be a rich person to make a difference. All you need is a true desire to make life better for others and the will to follow it.

Teo went on to say that wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back,” he said.

He made it clear that no one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.

“We are delighted to kickstart this collaboration with the hotels in Johor, which will forge a solidarity, touching lives one meal at a time ensuring a ripple effect of hope and sustenance across Johor Bahru,” he asserted.

Some 5,200 lunch packs have been committed by hotels to-date. Hotels that have responded to the call are Millesime Hotel, Sunway Big Box Hotel, New York Hotel, Somerset Medini Iskandar Puteri, and Grand Paragon Hotel.

Others included Ponderosa Golf & Country Resort, Capri by Fraser, GoodHope Hotel, Ramada Meridin Hotel, Legoland, DoubleTree by Hilton, Fraser Place Puteri Harbour, Impiana Hotel Senai, and Hyatt Place.

More hotels are expected to join in the initiative. Other than handing over the lunch packs to Ihsan Johor, the staff of Thistle Hotel also accompanied volunteers to visit the homes of the needy.

MAH Johor chapter believes there is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up. And they know that love cannot remain by itself—it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service.

MAH Johor chapter is no stranger to supporting food banks over the years having assisted Kechara Soup Kitchen, as well as during the Covid-19 pandemic, and disaster that had impacted Johor in the past.