Cover Give back to the community by donating to these food banks in Singapore (Photo: Getty Images)
Give back to the community by donating to these food banks in Singapore (Photo: Getty Images)
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Apart from helping the less fortunate, donating food can also help to reduce food waste—one of the biggest waste streams in Singapore
Food in Singapore may not always be wallet-friendly for some of us, especially when considering factors such as the increase in Goods & Services Tax (GST), inflation and more. In a 2023 paper published by Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy, Food Price Inflation in Singapore During Global Food Price Shocks, it stated that “food prices have been steadily rising in Singapore since 2007”.
While some of us have been able to adapt to inflating prices by making small adjustments to our daily lives, it may not be as simple for others.
In Lian Centre for Social Innovation’s 2018 research paper, Hunger in a Food Lover’s Paradise: Understanding Food Insecurity in Singapore, it was highlighted that out of 236 survey participants, 19 per cent reported severe food insecurity.
Fortunately, we have seen various food banks in Singapore making remarkable strides in their efforts to combat food insecurity, serving as an example of how collective action can make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
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On the importance of helping to donate to these food banks, the CEO of Food from the Heart Robin Lee explains: “Our charity is currently serving more than 62,000 beneficiaries with monthly food support through five core programmes and community-led initiatives while making a significant positive impact on food waste reduction.”
Food from the Heart also reaches out to food manufacturers and wholesalers for their overstocked and damaged non-perishable food.
If you have extra food, consider donating it to those who may need it more instead of contributing to food waste. Below, we share some charity organisations that you can donate to.
Secondmeal
Pay it forward by donating meals to those in need with Secondmeal. This non-profit organisation allows you to sponsor a hawker meal towards beneficiaries of your choice.
Once you have sponsored a meal, Secondmeal will provide real-time data on its reserves and community needs. You will also have a unique URL link, allowing you to track when your meal has been claimed.
Food From The Heart
This local food charity runs an array of food distribution programs to help the elderly and needy. For example, its Community Food Pack programme helps to distribute fresh fruits, bread and non-perishable food items to the less fortunate. In-Kind donations are also available—you can either bring your donated goods down to their office or order food through online grocers and arrange delivery to the office. Food drops are also available at every Food from the Heart community shop. Visit Food from the Heart’s website for a list of foods that are available to be donated.
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Food Bank Singapore
Food Bank Singapore’s multiple donation boxes around the island makes it easy to donate. According to its website, Food Bank Singapore also hopes to end food insecurity “in all forms” in Singapore by being the “prevailing centralised coordinating organisation for all donations”.
Currently, over 80 boxes are located around the island at schools, corporate offices, shopping malls and condominiums. All you need to do is to drop off your excess, unopened and unexpired dry and packaged food items in one of the boxes. Food Bank’s website shows a map of all its available boxes around the island.
Willing Hearts
This soup kitchen serves meals to the underprivileged daily. While volunteering roles are available, the organisation also accepts food donations. A list of items needed are available on their website. Instead of just giving the underprivileged these ingredients, the products will be made into dishes for them instead.
Free Food For All
This local food charity delivers Halal-certified food and groceries to a range of beneficiaries including homeless individuals, low income families, injured migrant workers and more. a range of initiatives are available too, including the KidsLuvIt! breakfast program designed to provide children from low-income families with nutritious meals. Do note that all food donated must be halal certified. Monetary donations are also accepted.
Ronald Mcdonald House Charities
This independent charity dedicates itself to improving health and well-being of children in the hospital. Their website offers a wishlist of kid-friendly foods and snacks that will be donated to hospitalised children. The charity has various programmes, including the Ronald McDonald House, a space that allows families to rest and stay close to their hospitalised child at no cost.
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
