with the
residents.
truck on the go.
GIVING back to society what society has given to us because inevitably, the society is what makes us who we are today. Showing gratitude enables our heart to see the world better; to see things differently as well as understanding the different walks of life, and it may change our perspective in living.
Bon Appetit is a food truck that is founded for one purpose – that is to serve the urban poor community in Kuching. Sharing the same sentiment as the community, founder Jacqueline Chang told her husband, Louis Fong of her mission to help the poor here.
“Seven years ago I failed in my business, and I suddenly realised that all I did was to earn more and more money and I did not have the time to do what I have always wanted”, Jacqueline said.
The philanthropist also shared her childhood stories whereby as a child, her family would only have simple meals as they do not have much to eat. “We moved houses every few months as we could not afford one due to my father’s unstable income,” she added. Husband Louis shared how his wife told him one day that she wants to purchase a food truck. While encouraging her, he saw the passion in Kuchingites in helping the less fortunate. He believes that this is one of the best channel to give back as it is a direct one to the needy.
The blue food truck that goes well with the blue skies and white clouds reflects hope, the hope Jacqueline wants to give to the children of the urban poor to have a different perspective in life in comparison to hers.
The features on the truck – the rainbow that also reflect hope; the carrots that reflect healthy food and the many colours on the truck as wanting to bring happiness to the children in Kuching. Bon Appetit receives donation from various food eateries such as Pullman Hotel, Juniper, Sarai Minang, Nuromen, Granary, Junk, Barber, Rumah Hijau and many more; and also from different walks of life who donates and help cook food for them.
The food truck runs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday by different teams. On Tuesday the founders will operate the food truck at Pending from 11am onwards, while Wednesday is operated by TNC at the parking lot of Stutong Baru Lorong 2 from 10.30am onwards and on Sunday it is led by a lawyer at the Kuching Municipal Council (KMC) Flat. Wednesday team leader Ooi Pek See is glad to see the increasing numbers of residents coming to their food truck each week.
On May 31, in conjunction with the Gawai celebration, the team served ‘ayam pansuh’ which is the traditional Iban food of chicken stuffed in bamboo. Other side dishes include long melon fried egg, fried anchovies with onion, soya bean cincau drinks, puddings and apples.
When speaking to the residents, they shared how grateful they are to have someone serving meals for them as well as looking out for them. “We could not afford to have delicious meals, we only h a v e simple meal every day”, one shared.
The residents would come with containers to receive the cooked food each time the food truck make an appearance. There are even those who came barefooted as they could not afford footwears; when asked they said they are used to walking on the road under the hot sun. Bon Appetit can be reached through Facebook and Instagram Bon Appetit Kuching or via telephone at 012-8016818. Food donations are highly required and most welcomed. They do not accept donations in cash term. Members of public who wishes to volunteer can do so by contacting them.
