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Global FoodBanking Network logo

Surplus Collection in Penang

Rescue surplus fresh produce from Partners and redistribute to charity homes.

Volunteer Details

  • Personal transport needed to visit multiple locations
  • 2 to 4 volunteers per group
  • 4 to 6 hours

Volunteer Condition

    • Open to individuals aged 18 and over
    • Able to carry surplus food weighing up to 15kg
    • Max 20 volunteers

Overview

Food waste isn’t just wasteful. It’s a climate issue (rotting food produces methane, a greenhouse gas) and a moral issue (throwing away food while people starve). Every kilogram we rescue is food that nourishes someone instead of filling a landfill. In 2024 alone, KSK rescued over 580,000 kg of surplus food. That’s over half a million kilograms saved from waste and redirected to hungry families and charity homes.

What You’ll Do

You’ll visit partner locations like hypermarkets, fast food chains, convenience stores, or bakeries to collect surplus food. This might be produce that’s slightly blemished but perfectly edible, bakery items nearing their sell-by date, or excess inventory from convenience stores. You’ll load the food into vehicles and help redistribute it to registered charity homes and families.

Itinerary

Monday to Friday

  • 11:00 AM: Gather.
  • 11:10 AM: Briefing.
  • 11:30 AM: Activity starts.
  • 2:00 PM: Activity ends (estimated time depending on traffic and collection process).

Gathering Point

General Notes Across Activity

  • Dress code: KSK, company, or university t-shirt, long trousers, and sports shoes. Please refrain from bringing or wearing valuables.
  • Given the uncertain weather conditions, please bring an umbrella or raincoat. Rain or shine, the activity will proceed.
  • At the venue, volunteers have the option to purchase a KSK t-shirt for RM35, which is recommended for use when distributing items. Beneficiaries recognise and trust the KSK t-shirt. Alternatively, you may use your existing KSK t-shirt if you have one.
  • Volunteers can opt for the New Volunteer Package for RM50, which includes one KSK t-shirt, one Empowerment cookie tub, and a tax-exemption receipt
  • Proceeds from Empowerment cookie tubs will support the (B40) trainees of the KSK Empowerment programme. The tax-exemption receipt can be used by volunteers for their annual income tax

Start Volunteering

Share your availability and interests through our form. Our team will get in touch within 5 working days.

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can pregnant women volunteer?

    We don't recommend it due to the physical nature of some activities and outdoor conditions.

  • Can I volunteer as a student?

    Yes, students are always welcome! However, we understand transport is often a challenge, so we've created an alternative pathway.

    If you'd like to interview our staff or beneficiaries for your academic work, we ask that you also contribute to KSK in one of these ways: purchase handmade cookies from our Empowerment programme (which directly funds single mothers' income), or make a monetary donation. This contribution sustains our work whilst enabling us to support your research. In exchange, you'll gain valuable insights from real stories, and your work helps amplify our mission.

    To get started, email your questionnaire to and let us know what you would like to donate.

  • What happens after you applied for volunteering?

    Our operations team will contact you within one business day to arrange availability. If the volunteer slot is unavailable, we’ll suggest alternative activities.

  • What happens after slot confirmation?

    We'll set up a WhatsApp group so your team stays connected with us. Invite whoever needs to be in the loop. Everyone will fill out a quick onboarding form and share their car plate number if they'll be driving on the volunteering day.

Kechara Soup Kitchen volunteers working together moving food items

A Shared Mission to Uplift Humanity

We believe that meaningful change begins when people come together with compassion and purpose. This mission is open to all who wish to make a difference, uniting efforts to support vulnerable communities, restore dignity, and create lasting positive impact across society.

Multiple paths, one mission

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