The Lost Food Project
The Lost Food Project is a Malaysian not-for-profit food bank founded in 2015 that rescues surplus food from supermarkets, manufacturers, and wholesale markets and redistributes it to 80+ charity partners and 30+ PPR low-income communities across Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley, and Johor Bahru.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersKuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Lost Food Project does
The Lost Food Project (TLFP) is a Malaysian not-for-profit food bank founded in 2015 by Suzanne Mooney and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur. It rescues quality surplus food from supermarkets, manufacturers (Unilever, Nestle, DKSH, P&G, Colgate Palmolive, Danone), and wholesale markets (Pasar Borong KL) that would otherwise go to landfill, and redistributes it to a network of 80+ vetted charity partners and 30+ People's Housing Project (PPR) communities across Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley, and Johor Bahru. The organization operates a logistics platform comprising 4 trucks and 2 warehouses, including the TLFP Central hub launched in March 2023, and runs programs such as the BITES loyalty points donation program with Village Grocer, the Rice Bucket Challenge, MYCleanPlateChallenge, and 20/100 Campaign. As of recent disclosure, TLFP rescues 40-45 tonnes of food per week, has provided 5 million+ meals since 2016, and reaches 40,000+ people on a regular basis, while preventing 3.02 million kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions.
TLFP's business model is donation-based across four streams: monetary donations (individual and corporate, channeled via SenangPay, Give.Asia, SimplyGiving, and bank transfer), in-kind food donations from corporate donors, corporate grants and sponsorships (Chubb, Mubadala Petroleum, Ikano Insight, Levi Strauss, 3M, Unilever, Danone), and loyalty points donations through partner retail programs. Donation pricing is benchmarked at RM20 per 100 meals for individuals and RM200 per 1,000 meals for corporates. The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, relying on 70+ volunteers, corporate CSR volunteer programs, and awareness campaigns delivered via social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok), email newsletters, media coverage (SCMP, Nikkei Asia, NST, BERNAMA TV), and outreach workshops. The underlying technology is a food rescue and redistribution logistics system; no proprietary software, AI, or API platform is offered. TLFP accepted into the Global FoodBanking Network Accelerator Program in June 2024, gaining access to a global network of food banks across nearly 50 countries.
The Lost Food Project firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Lost Food Project
- Legal name
- The Lost Food Project
- Website
- https://thelostfoodproject.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Lost Food Project is a Malaysian not-for-profit food bank founded in 2015 that rescues surplus food from supermarkets, manufacturers, and wholesale markets and redistributes it to 80+ charity partners and 30+ PPR low-income communities across Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley, and Johor Bahru.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Lost Food Project industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Food Bank / Food Rescue Services
- NAICS
- Community Food Services (62421)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Food Assistance & Food Banks (BPAGAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Food Waste Reduction & Diversion Services (Donation, Animal Feed, Source Reduction Programs) (EUAIAEAH), Commercial Food Waste Programs & On-Site Solutions (Cafeterias, Grocers, Hospitality) (BPALAEAE)
Keywords
Where The Lost Food Project is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kuala Lumpur
- HQ country
- Malaysia
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Lost Food Project business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Monetary Donations: Individual and corporate donations via bank transfer, credit/debit card through SenangPay and Give.Asia platforms. Donation benchmarks: RM20 provides 100 meals, RM200 provides 1000 meals.
- Food Donations: Surplus food and products donated by supermarkets, manufacturers, and wholesalers that would otherwise go to landfill.
- Corporate Grants and Sponsorship: Corporate grants such as Chubb's US$10,000, truck sponsorships from Mubadala Petroleum, and general corporate sponsorships from companies like Unilever and Danone.
- Loyalty Points Donation: BITES loyalty points program where customers donate 500 points (RM5 value) to provide 25 meals.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | RM20 donation provides 100 meals |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | RM200 donation provides 1000 meals |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
The Lost Food Project product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Lost Food Project rescues quality, nutritious surplus food and other goods from supermarkets, manufacturers, and wholesale markets that would otherwise go to landfill. It operates two warehouses in Kuala Lumpur (including TLFP Central) and a fleet of four trucks to collect and redistribute this food to 80+ vetted charity partners and 30+ People's Housing Project (PPR) communities across Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley, serving 40,000+ B40 urban poor families and people in need regardless of religion, gender, age, disability, or ethnic group. The organization also runs volunteer programs, corporate CSR partnerships, and educational outreach to raise awareness about food waste and climate change.
Product overview
The Lost Food Project (TLFP) is a Malaysian not-for-profit food bank organization that operates as a social impact service rather than a technology product company. It does not offer a software platform, SaaS product, or technology modules. TLFP's services consist of food rescue and redistribution programs, including collecting surplus food from supermarkets, manufacturers, and wholesale markets and distributing it to vetted charity partners and low-income communities (PPR housing residents). Additional programs include education and outreach workshops, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and fundraising campaigns such as the 20/100 Challenge, MY Clean Plate Challenge, and Rice Bucket Challenge. The organization also runs volunteer programs and accepts both food and monetary donations. No branded software products, APIs, or technology offerings were identified in the source material.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Food Rescue and Redistribution Service Core service that collects quality, nutritious surplus food and other goods from supermarkets, manufacturers, and wholesale markets and redistributes them to 80+ vetted charity partners and 30+ PPR communities across Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley. Rescues 40-45 tonnes of food per week.
- Volunteer Program Volunteer engagement program recruiting dedicated individuals to support food sorting, packing, warehouse operations, and distribution. The organization is almost entirely operated by a group of professional and dedicated volunteers.
- Outreach and Education Program Education team delivers Lunch and Learn workshops, presentations to organizations, and attends markets and bazaars to raise awareness about food waste issues and encourage public support.
- Corporate CSR Partnership Program CSR program enabling companies to engage through corporate volunteering events, truck sponsorships, fundraising campaigns, and grants. Partners include Unilever, Chubb, Mubadala Petroleum, Danone, CIMB, AmBank, Levi Strauss, HEINEKEN, PepsiCo, and others.
- Awareness Campaign Programs Public awareness and fundraising campaigns including the 20/100 Campaign, MY Clean Plate Challenge, World Food Day campaigns, and Rice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and drive donations.
- BITES Loyalty Points Donation Program Customer loyalty program partnership where customers from partner supermarkets (Village Grocer, B.I.G.) can donate 500 loyalty points (RM5 value) to provide 25 meals through TLFP.
Quantifiable outcome
- 5 million+ meals provided since 2016
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use The Lost Food Project
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Lost Food Project technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Lost Food Project partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.
- Global FoodBanking Network (GFN)coreAccepted into GFN Accelerator Program. Over next three years, TLFP will benefit from resources, expertise, and mentorship from food banks in nearly 50 countries across six continents. Hosted Hazel Quek Xue Fang for three-day visit.
- Standard Chartered Group Internal AuditminorTeam members traveled from various corners of globe to volunteer time and skills at TLFP on World Environment Day.
- POS MalaysiacoreNational courier and logistics provider partnered with TLFP. Helped transport more than 4 tonnes of food over 280km, equating to 11,000+ meals, by delivering 100+ pallets of surplus goods.
- DanonemajorMade significant donation of 1256 cartons, 8898 packets, and 9394.2 kilograms of milk powder to support TLFP's mission and provide nutrition to families in need.
- CIMB Wholesale BankingmajorTeam of volunteers sorted and prepared 4792 kg of food in single evening. Led by Lisha, team contributed to warehouse operations for two consecutive weeks.
- AmBank Malaysiamajor50 volunteers participated in full-day CSR program at TLFP Central during Ramadan. Sorted, packed, and cleaned surplus fresh produce donations.
- Junior Marriott Business CouncilminorCollaborative event featuring 'The Lost Food Talk' presentation by CEO Ab Wahab, home composting workshop, and food waste quiz session.
- HEINEKENminorHEINEKEN Cares 2022 collaboration with TLFP and other NGOs supporting sustainable food sources nationwide in Peninsular Malaysia.
- KelloggmajorPartnership to distribute breakfast and snack items to essential frontliners throughout October 2021.
- Ceva Animal Health MalaysiamajorCoordinated donation of 100,000 eggs from local poultry farmers (CP Malaysia, Heap Soon Farming, Liang Kee Farming, Teo Seng Capital, Zenxin Agriculture) to 56 charities and 7,500 B40 communities.
- Malaysian Red Crescent SocietycoreCo-organized Rice Bucket Challenge 2020 response to COVID-19 in line with World Food Day. Distributed food aid and hygiene kits to vulnerable communities.
- The Social GroupminorExclusive drinks menu 'We're Endangered Too' with 50% of drink cost donated to TLFP and Free Tree Society. Features special drinks using Trigona honey to raise climate change awareness.
- UnilevercoreGlobal manufacturer partnered with TLFP for Super Brand Day sale on Lazada Malaysia. Raised enough from online sales to provide over 200,000 meals. Also partnered for World Food Day celebrations and regular food donations.
- Lazada MalaysiacoreOnline retailer partnered with Unilever and TLFP for Super Brand Day sale supporting food rescue efforts and meal provision.
- The Food Purveyor (Village Grocer, B.I.G.)coreLong-standing food partner since January 2017 operating Village Grocer and Ben's Independent Grocer supermarket brands. Regularly supplies leftover food for redistribution. Extended operations to Johor Bahru. Also partnered for BITES loyalty points donation program engaging 180,000+ members.
- United Way WorldwidecorePartnered with TLFP for ASEAN CARES project supporting urban poor and rural communities impacted by COVID-19.
- ASEAN FoundationcoreASEAN COVID-19 Active and Robust Response (ASEAN CARES) project supporting vulnerable communities in JB & KL.
- PepsiCominorBuild Real Connections Campaign turned offline hours into meals for less fortunate via Kechara Soup Kitchen Society and TLFP.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Lost Food Project competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- FoodCloud: Ireland-founded social enterprise that connects retailers with charities via a technology platform for surplus food redistribution. Comparable food rescue mission but differentiated by proprietary matching technology that TLFP lacks.
Direct peers
- Robin Hood Army: Volunteer-driven, zero-funds organization that redistributes surplus food from restaurants and bakeries to the less fortunate across South and Southeast Asia. Closely comparable volunteer-led, low-overhead operating model in adjacent emerging markets.
- OzHarvest: Australia's leading food rescue charity, collecting surplus food from commercial donors and redistributing to charities. Closely comparable operating model, established brand, and government/Corporate partnerships make it a benchmark for TLFP's scale-up trajectory.
- The Felix Project: UK-based food rescue charity founded by a former journalist, redistributing surplus food from supermarkets and wholesalers to charities and schools. Highly comparable founder profile, donor mix, and volunteer-led operating model to TLFP.
- FareShare UK: UK's largest charity fighting hunger and food waste by redistributing surplus food to a national network of charities. Comparable scale, warehouse operations, and corporate-donor-driven model.
- The Food Bank Singapore: Singapore's largest food bank with a comparable food rescue and redistribution model serving charity partners and low-income households. Operates in a similar regulatory and CSR environment to TLFP and is part of the same Global FoodBanking Network.
- FoodForward SA: South Africa's largest food redistribution organization with a comparable food rescue model serving urban poor communities. Useful emerging-market peer with similar volunteer and corporate-donor mix.
- Second Harvest (Canada): Canada's largest food rescue organization, redistributing surplus food to non-profits and communities. Provides a comparable operational benchmark at national scale, including warehouse and logistics infrastructure.
- Yayasan Bank Makanan Indonesia (Indonesian Food Bank Foundation): Indonesia's leading food bank foundation operating a food rescue and redistribution model similar to TLFP. Serves as a directly comparable Southeast Asian peer for food-bank scale, donor base, and beneficiary reach.
Broad incumbents
- Feeding America: Largest hunger-relief organization in the United States operating a network of 200+ food banks. Relevant as the broad incumbent benchmark for scale, donor relationships, and government partnerships in the food banking sector.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Lost Food Project social profiles
Digital presenceThe Lost Food Project financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Lost Food Project leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
The Lost Food Project funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Lost Food Project M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Lost Food Project
What does The Lost Food Project do?
The Lost Food Project rescues quality, nutritious surplus food and other goods from supermarkets, manufacturers, and wholesale markets that would otherwise go to landfill. It operates two warehouses in Kuala Lumpur (including TLFP Central) and a fleet of four trucks to collect and redistribute this food to 80+ vetted charity partners and 30+ People's Housing Project (PPR) communities across Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley, serving 40,000+ B40 urban poor families and people in need regardless of religion, gender, age, disability, or ethnic group. The organization also runs volunteer programs, corporate CSR partnerships, and educational outreach to raise awareness about food waste and climate change.
Is The Lost Food Project a public or private company?
The Lost Food Project is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Lost Food Project founded?
The Lost Food Project was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Lost Food Project based?
The Lost Food Project is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in the Asia region.
How does The Lost Food Project make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Monetary Donations are the primary driver. The others are food Donations, corporate Grants and Sponsorship and loyalty Points Donation.
Who are The Lost Food Project's main competitors?
FoodCloud is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Robin Hood Army, OzHarvest, The Felix Project, FareShare UK, The Food Bank Singapore, FoodForward SA, Second Harvest (Canada) and Yayasan Bank Makanan Indonesia (Indonesian Food Bank Foundation). Feeding America is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does The Lost Food Project have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Lost Food Project.
What industry is The Lost Food Project in?
The Lost Food Project's product category is Food Bank / Food Rescue Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAA, Food Assistance & Food Banks, with a secondary code of EUAIAEAH, Food Waste Reduction & Diversion Services (Donation, Animal Feed, Source Reduction Programs). Its NAICS code is 62421.