Feeding hope: T.A.S.K. nourishes lives across Klang Valley

The Assembly Soup Kitchen (T.A.S.K.), which began as a modest response to the COVID-19 crisis, has grown into a powerful community-driven initiative feeding the hungry and empowering the vulnerable across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

The genesis of T.A.S.K. can be traced back to March 2020, when the country’s first Movement Control Order (MCO) upended lives and livelihoods. As economic uncertainty loomed and families grappled with job losses, schoolteacher Soo Mun Keong and his wife, engineer Wong Suet Beng, sprang into action from their Subang Jaya home. What began as home-cooked meals for five families soon snowballed into a full-fledged relief operation, driven entirely by volunteers and community goodwill.

Realising the growing need, the couple formalised their initiative into The Assembly Soup Kitchen — an independent organisation focused on food security for the homeless, refugees, and underprivileged in the Klang Valley. Their grassroots movement resonated deeply with the public, triggering a wave of support that enabled swift and meaningful expansion.

Scaling up with purpose

T.A.S.K.’s evolution from a home kitchen to a large-scale operation is nothing short of remarkable. From initially preparing 30 meals a day, the team now delivers more than 3,000 meals a week — adding up to approximately 15,000 monthly. The backbone of this effort is a 20,000-square-foot industrial kitchen in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, acquired and fitted during the height of the pandemic.

Today, the initiative is supported by a 600-strong volunteer base and partners with multiple food relief organisations to maximise outreach and avoid duplication of aid. Its efficient logistics, strategic planning, and unwavering volunteer spirit have enabled T.A.S.K. to become one of the most active soup kitchens in the region.

Empowering lives beyond food

While food distribution remains its core mission, T.A.S.K. has gradually broadened its scope to offer empowerment-based programs. Its TASK Employment and Training Scheme (E.A.T.S.) equips refugee mothers with practical skills — from cooking and baking to financial literacy and leadership — delivered by seasoned professionals. These skills not only offer an economic lifeline but also foster confidence and independence among women navigating life in exile.

Another standout initiative is TASK Angels, a social empowerment project tailored for teenagers and young adults with special needs or autism. In a nurturing environment, participants receive hands-on learning in life skills, social interaction, and confidence-building, allowing them to thrive with dignity and purpose.

Widening reach through collaboration

T.A.S.K.’s network now includes support for nine community schools, a home for girls, and an after-school program that ensures children from marginalised communities do not go to bed hungry. The organisation’s collaborative model was evident on World Food Day, when it partnered with PepsiCo to distribute over 1,000 food packs to underserved communities. Beneficiaries included students at refugee schools and low-income households in Kuala Lumpur’s Chow Kit area — further cementing T.A.S.K.’s role as a bridge between corporate goodwill and grassroots need.

These efforts underline a key strength of the organisation: its ability to forge meaningful partnerships across civil society, corporate sectors, and informal volunteer networks, all while maintaining transparency and focus.

As T.A.S.K. looks to the future, it faces fresh hurdles. Rising food costs, increased demand, and the ever-present challenge of donor fatigue threaten to slow its progress. Yet, the team remains undeterred, driven by the same spirit that sparked their first home-cooked meals in 2020.

The founders are hopeful that Malaysians — individuals and corporates alike — will continue to step up, whether by volunteering their time or contributing resources. With a growing network of partners and beneficiaries, the organisation is poised to scale new heights, provided its lifeline of support remains strong.

For those inspired to get involved or learn more, visit: www.theassemblysoupkitchen.com