Now, with the ongoing movement control order (MCO 3.0) to help contain the spread of Covid-19, many are finding it more difficult to stay afloat, especially daily-wage earners.
With dusty kitchen shelves barren of food, many continue to question if they’ll survive the week, even though supermarket aisles are fully-stocked with fresh produce and supplies.
Thankfully, there are some who have stepped up to help the less fortunate.
Sam’s Groceria is among those who feel the pain of the many who are struggling and is giving away free meals to the desperate and hungry while encouraging their customers to do the same.
“We believe no one should go to bed hungry,” a Facebook post by Sam’s Groceria on June 5 read.
“Please pick up a packet of food from the table marked “FREE FOOD” if you’re hungry or know of anyone who is, and send our blessings their way.”
The post has since garnered massive support from the online community.
“For those of you who would like to join us in our effort to feed the hungry, you can purchase the food from Ram’s Deli and leave it at the table,” the post states.
“Your act of compassion will help to ensure that the underprivileged don’t fall victim to starvation.”
FMT had the chance to speak to Azmin Saduruddin, 39, executive director of Sam’s Groceria Straits Quay and the man behind the life-giving idea.
“This practice has always been there as we donate extra food to our security guards daily,” Azmin explained, noting that the day’s leftovers from their deli would always be packed for their workers.
“But one day, someone came and asked if they could take some food for a friend, so we decided to open it up to outsiders as well,” he said, adding that he sympathised with those whose livelihoods have been badly affected by MCO 3.0.
The process is simple – all a customer has to do is drop by at Ram’s Deli, located within the grocery store, and inform the staff there that they’d like to donate a meal, and then pay for it.
The project kicked-off to a good start on June 6.
Thanks to generous customers, Sam’s Groceria was able to feed 66 individuals on the very first day. They also accumulated a bank of 130 packets of free food, all of which were distributed to the less fortunate later.
Azmin hopes that this initiative will keep going strong even after MCO 3.0 as there are always people out there who live in poverty and often go hungry.
If you’re living around the Tanjung Bungah area, do spread the word to anyone in need of a free meal or drop by Sam’s Groceria to support this effort.
For less than RM10, you could be giving someone a much-needed meal or even saving someone’s life.
Sam’s Groceria
Straits Quay
Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang
10470 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Operational Hours: 8am – 8pm (Daily)