APU Students Join Food Rescue Mission at The Lost Food Project
APU students joined other community partners to sort donated food items for distribution.
Published 02 Jul 2026
In conjunction with Environmental Month 2026, students from Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) stepped beyond the classroom to take part in a meaningful volunteer outreach programme, The Lost Food Project, that highlights the importance of sustainability and community impact.
The Lost Food Project, a Malaysian not-for-profit organisation and eco-food bank, plays a vital role in rescuing surplus edible food that would otherwise end up in landfills. This food is then redistributed to those in need, including low-income families, orphanages, welfare homes and elderly care centres. During the outreach, 14 APU students joined other community partners to sort donated fruits and vegetables, carefully inspecting, cleaning and organising them to ensure that only quality items were prepared for distribution.
What might seem like a simple activity quickly became a powerful learning experience. Students witnessed firsthand how large amounts of perfectly edible food are often discarded due to oversupply, outer imperfections or short shelf life. This exposure helped them better understand the scale of food waste and the importance of responsible consumption.
For many participants, the experience was both eye-opening and deeply meaningful. Muchikichi Faith, a Foundation Studies student, shared, “This volunteering experience opened my eyes to the amount of food wasted every day. Knowing that the fruits and vegetables we sorted would be delivered to families and elderly people in need made it meaningful. It taught me that even small efforts can make a big difference.”
By contributing their time and effort, they saw how something as simple as sorting produce could help provide nutritious meals to families facing hardship. The experience also helped them develop essential soft skills such as empathy, teamwork and social responsibility.
The initiative was carried out under an ongoing collaboration between APU and The Lost Food Project, supported by the Soroptimist International Club of Shah Alam (SISA). This partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, food security and community empowerment, demonstrating how collaboration between educational institutions and non-governmental organisations can create real-world impact.
Another student, Hana Mohamed Youssef Emam, highlighted the collaborative nature of the programme, saying, “I enjoyed working with students from different universities and organisations. The activity helped me understand the importance of sustainability and how food waste can be reduced through community action. It was rewarding to know that our work contributed to helping others.”
Looking ahead, the collaboration aims to expand its impact by introducing practical solutions for the communities it serves. Plans are underway to develop nutritious and affordable recipes using commonly donated fruits and vegetables. These recipes will be tailored to suit the needs and income levels of beneficiaries, helping them make the most of the food they receive while promoting healthier eating habits.
There are also plans to turn surplus produce into value-added products that can be sold within communities. By equipping beneficiaries with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills, the initiative aims to create opportunities for supplementary income while supporting a circular economy that reduces waste.
The programme aligns closely with global sustainability goals, particularly in addressing food insecurity and promoting responsible consumption. By recovering and redistributing edible food, the initiative supports efforts to reduce hunger, while also encouraging more mindful use of resources.
Reflecting on the broader impact, Ms Cynthia Mala Paul Dorairaj, Lecturer at APU’s School of Business and Adviser of the Sustainable Future Fusion (SFF) Club, commented, “This collaboration shows how partnerships can transform surplus food into meaningful community support. By engaging students in service-learning, we nurture socially responsible graduates while promoting sustainability, compassion and active citizenship.”
Through real-world experiences like this, students gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges that are faced by underprivileged members of society and learn how their actions can contribute to positive change.
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Amelia Ho
Always wandering, always wondering.
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