KOTA KINABALU: A restaurant downtown has initiated a food bank in front of its premises in a bid to help those facing financial constraints during the Phase One of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

       A board can be seen outside the premises stating “Ambil Saja Jika Mau, Sumbang Jika Mampu (Take What You Need, Donate What You Can)", with racks and tables with food and beverage supplies.

       The food bank was only started on Thursday (July 1), but already donations from community members have been coming in droves, said Nook Cafe co-owner Muhammad Anas Amdan.

       The 34-year-old said several business operators along Lorong Dewan, where the cafe is located, agreed to the project as they resonated with the #benderaputih (white flag) cause.

       The Lorong Dewan community was one of the many groups and individuals that are rallying across the state to provide food assistance to people requesting help via signboards or white flags over the past few days.

       “We started with a small shelf to target those around the Kota Kinabalu area - mainly those who have lost their source of income and who have no family support here, and in desperate need of food supplies.

       “When approaching neighbouring businesses to seek food donations, word spread outside our Lorong Dewan circle and donations came pouring in from all over the state capital.

       “We have received food supplies such as rice, flour, sugar, canned food, milk powder, biscuits and all sorts of dried goods,” he told The Star.

       Anas, however, said that they do not accept any cash donations simply for transparency reasons.

       Asked about the reactions of those people who benefited from the food bank, he said most are actually quite shy and nervous to come and get the supplies.

       “Some even stayed in their car, but we tried our best to pack food for them to bring home. They were very grateful to receive the supplies, as most of them have to feed their families.

       “It’s very humbling to see that simple things like chocolate drink powder is a valuable item for them - we feel humbled and happy to see their faces light up when they receive the supplies,” Anas said.

       To take it a step further and ensure the donations reach those who are in dire-need of food supplies, the cafe is also engaging local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) whom they have previously worked with, to help distribute food fairly where needed.

       Asked about how long they planned for the food bank to continue, he said there was no timeline for the effort.

       “Our main aim is to simply help as many as we can to put food on their table during this difficult lockdown period,” he said.

       Those who want to contribute or receive food supplies can visit the cafe premises from 8am to 6pm.