Everyone should be able to experience Malaysian food; beyond that, everyone should be able to go out for a special meal. This is how the team at Seri Melaka Restaurant feels. Every year Seri Melaka invites a variety of Tucson’s Table agencies whose needs are supported by the Community Food Bank to bring their clients to experience Malaysian cuisine.

The arrangement began in 2001 when restaurant owner and manager Chris Yap wanted to find a way to make a donation to the Community Food Bank. Unfortunately, the sampler style by which Seri Melaka serves its food prevents CFB from being able to accept any leftover food from the restaurant. Food accepted by Tucson’s Table—CFB’s food rescue program—can be fresh, packaged or frozen food from grocery stores and distributors; it can even be prepared food, but it cannot have been served. This important restriction from the health department ensures that all of the food CFB distributes is safe.

Lei Florentino, Manager of Food Procurement and Tucson’s Table, and Chris were able to come up with an alternate solution. He chose to invite each agency to bring the people they served to Seri Melaka to experience Malaysian food. Since 2001, any Saturday between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, agencies have been able to bring 10 to 12 of their clients to Seri Melaka for a meal. Clients learn about Malaysian culture, history and geography while sampling a variety of dishes from the country.

“They are all asking ‘When is Christmas coming?’” said Pastor Marvin Warrior of Covenant Christian Ministry in Marana. His clients can’t wait for their holiday meal at Seri Melaka. Pastor Warrior runs a ranch for people with physical and mental disabilities. He has several newer residents, but some who have been with him for twenty years. Pastor Warrior does a lot of work with CFB and works with the branch in Marana. “This is the first time we all ate together in ten years, together as a group,” he said excitedly. He is very proud of how well his group did in a restaurant setting and hopes to repeat the experience this coming holiday season.

“All the clients seem to enjoy themselves….it’s very rewarding to us,” said owner Chris Yap. Seeing the clients enjoy their lunches and listening to them discuss the sweet and spicy flavors is part of what he likes about the program. Reaching out to the clients during the holiday season is also a key factor for Chris. He continues to work with Lei to provide these holiday meals within CFB’s network of agencies because he knows the food is going to people who really appreciate it.

“Chris remembers the people we serve, they are delighted and we are grateful,” said Lei about what is admittedly one of her favorite programs. Most donors make their gift through one of the programs rather than working directly with their clients. Seri Melaka is the only donor who chooses to make their gift this way. “People from the agencies love it. The one thing that I hear over and over again is that they are served with respect.”