IPOH: Adura Mohamad sensed something was wrong when some of her students skipped meals during recess, a period when most children would be more than eager to enjoy their snacks.
When she asked them why, they told her that they were "already full" from having breakfast at home. They instead spent recess napping or talking to their friends.
She said that during recess, teachers would still be in the classroom to monitor the children while they were having their meals in class.
These children, however, did not buy any food from the canteen.
"When I asked them why they didn't eat, they would say that they were still full from their breakfast. But as a teacher, you know your students pretty well.
"I asked them again whether they have money to buy food at the canteen.. most of them kept silent. From there, I knew that was the reason," said Adura, who teaches at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kampong Pasir Putih in Lahat.
The 54-year-old knew she had to do something.
She then approached school principal Razak Malek Taharim to propose the idea of setting up a food bank for students whose families were unable to afford food.
He gave the go-ahead for the school to set up their "Gerobok Rezeki", which was launched on Feb 4.
"We started collecting funds in January and the school successfully raised RM5,000 from well-wishers.
"Every week, we would top up items such as rice, sugar, canned sardines, ketchup and flour. It costs between RM350 and RM400 to fill up the shelves.
"These students can bring home up to four items at a time for their families to cook at home. The Gerobok Rezeki is open 24 hours a day so that anyone who needs food can come by anytime to collect them.
"We hope that with this initiative, our students no longer have to go hungry during lessons. It's hard to focus in class when you're hungry," said Adura, who teaches English.
Adura said the school is already planning for the next phase, which is to set up a "mini bundle" store where secondhand items such as clothes and shoes would be available for free for underprivileged students.
Kind-hearted individuals who wish to donate to the school's initiatives can contact Adura at 05-3225150 during school hours.