Suzanne Mooney - 2020 | Merdeka Award

Suzanne Mooney

Recipient of Anugerah Khas Merdeka 2020

linkedin profile

Suzanne Mooney of the Lost Food Project is taking a stand to end all food wastage.

WATCH FULL VIDEO

Health, Science and Technology

Dato' Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman

Recipient for Year 2022

Something that is worth doing is often tough, but the rewards can be big.

Changing the Fate of Lost Food

Suzanne Mooney, a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems, is the founder of Malaysia's pioneering sustainable food bank, The Lost Food Project.

Under her leadership, became a foundational partner in the Malaysian government-led national food bank program. Her commitment to reducing food waste in the country led to groundbreaking enactment of Malaysia’s first-ever food waste law in October 2019.

This significant milestone marks a critical step towards addressing a pressing environmental and social issue, and it is a testament to Mooney's tireless efforts and visionary leadership.

Beyond her legislative achievements, Mooney's work has also inspired and empowered countless individuals and organizations to join the movement towards a more sustainable food system. The Lost Food Project has become a model for community-driven initiatives, demonstrating the power of collective action to address food insecurity and reduce waste. Mooney's leadership has illustrated that sustainable food practices are not only achievable but also vital for constructing a resilient and fair society.

Suzanne with the TLFP Pasar Borong team, loading a 5T truck with fresh vegetables for the PPR B40 communities

A waste warrior

Suzanne's commitment to addressing food waste ignited in 1995 during her time as a waitress in Cape Town.

Upon relocating to Malaysia in 2015, this passion drove her to extend her mission to her new community, culminating in the establishment of The Lost Food Project — an NGO committed to salvaging high-quality, nutritious food from the brink of landfills.

Initially shouldering the financial expenses, Mooney's unwavering dedication resulted in substantial support for The Lost Food Project, securing a total of RM 679,852.00 from grants and fundraising events in 2019. The organisation has subsequently extended its outreach to Johor Bahru and Sabah.

Moreover, Mooney's work has highlighted the interconnectedness of food sustainability and social justice. Through her efforts to alleviate food insecurity, she has improved the quality of life for vulnerable populations and promoted a fairer distribution of resources.

The first ever food collected for TLFP was from Jason’s in Feb 2016.

From Waste to Wonderful Food

Mooney and her team vetted charities and had a rotation of 4-5 food pick-ups each week, collecting food from supermarkets and sending it to charities.

As the number of food sources grew, the operations expanded to a warehouse within the Red Crescent HQ in KL. They received their first truck through donations from Delivering Better Lives.

To date, they have distributed over 8.5 million meals and rescued more than 2.6 million kg of food, contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Mooney's role as a strategic partner of Yayasan Food Bank, Malaysia's first government-led food bank, showcases the recognition of her impactful work.

Her involvement in the Food Donor Protection Bill, approved in October 2019, further solidifies her commitment to legislative change.

Her work with The Lost Food Project and beyond have earned multiple accolades, including the UN Sustainable Development Goal #2 and Europa Award For Sustainability in 2019.

The first ever pick up from BIG supermarkets.

In parliament for the passing of the first ever food waste law being passed in Malaysia (with TLFP colleagues & Minister Saifuddin and his team, Oct 2019).

Educating the Future Agents of Change

Mooney actively collaborates with schools and universities, engaging in activities, games, and composting projects to instill awareness of food waste and sustainability from a young age.

Mooney's message to the youth echoes the power of individual action in driving societal change. She emphasises the need for collective efforts to mitigate environmental damage and enhance sustainability.

By reaching out to youth, Mooney is investing in the future of Malaysia. She understands that young people are the key to driving societal change, and she empowers them to take ownership of environmental issues. Her message emphasizes the power of individual action, while also highlighting the importance of collective efforts to mitigate environmental damage and enhance sustainability. Through her work with schools and universities, Mooney is cultivating a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens who are equipped to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

The first ever food collected for TLFP was from Jason’s in Feb 2016.

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

Other Recipients

Outstanding Contribution to Environment and Planetary Health

South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership

Outstanding Scholastic and Academic Achievement

Emeritus Professor Dr. Ng Kwan Hoong

Outstanding Contribution to Education and Community

Majlis Kanser Nasional