In a city as affluent as Singapore, it might seem surprising that hunger is still a concern. Yet, studies reveal that around 30% of those over 50 aren’t getting enough or aren’t getting nutritious food.
To address this issue, various programs have been introduced to support those struggling with food insecurity. Though these initiatives often focus on the underprivileged, they are generally accessible to anyone in need.
If you’re facing financial challenges, these resources could be a valuable way to ensure you get the nourishment you need.
| Initiative | Organisation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Community Initiative | Free Food for All (FFFA) | Runs a Free Food Programme for those who need it |
| Food Rescue Groups | Facebook Groups or Telegram Groups | Members post food items (and others) for anyone who needs it |
| Pay-What-You-Want | Reach Community Cafe | Paying any amount you could afford for a meal |
| Religious Associations | Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Central Sikh Gurdwara Board Singapore Buddhist Lodge Sri Krishna Mandir Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society | Free meals provided at these locations, including free meal centres |
Free Food for All (FFFA)
A cohesive and strong community has to be built on the fact that food is readily available.
– Nizar Mohd Shariff, Founder of FFFA
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Free Food for All (FFFA) began its journey in 2014 with a humble effort, distributing meals twice a week at Darul Aman Mosque. Since then, this registered charity has grown into a multifaceted organization offering a variety of programs that provide free Halal meals to people from all backgrounds.
Since 2015, FFFA has served over 320,000 meals, addressing the needs of:
- The homeless and those in transitional housing
- Low-income families
- Seniors and individuals with disabilities
- People facing financial hardships
- Injured migrant workers
FFFA’s mission is to meet the essential need for food and, in doing so, help individuals lift themselves out of poverty. Applications for the Free Food Programme are open to everyone and are evaluated individually.
Food Rescue Groups
Freeganism became quite the buzz a few years ago. At first, I was taken aback seeing freegans sifting through discarded food, but their dedication to sustainability was impressive.
Realizing they often collected more than they could use, many freegans sought ways to share their finds. This led to the rise of food rescue groups on platforms like Facebook and Telegram.
These groups, often focused on recovering excess food from bakeries and wet markets, work to redistribute surplus vegetables and bread. Here are some groups committed to cutting down food waste, with active contributions from their members:
Facebook Groups:
Telegram Channels:
App:
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Pay-What-You-Want Initiatives
Reach Community Cafe
Have you heard about Ibasho House in Japan? It’s absolutely heartwarming!
REACH Community Café is entirely run by volunteers, who handle everything from preparing the meals to cleaning up afterward. With five rotating teams of senior volunteers, each week offers a fresh menu and new experiences for both members and visitors.
They have also launched Community Dabao during pandemic. They offer a weekly pay-what-you-want takeaway service for seniors at our center. With a pay-what-you-want approach, the cafe ensures that financial concerns don’t detract from the experience. While it primarily caters to seniors, everyone is welcome, and donations are appreciated for those who wish to support the cause.
Religious Associations
Many religious organizations offer free meals to those in need, often funded by public donations without any conditions attached.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Located at 288 South Bridge Road, the temple provides free meals daily from 12:30pm to 5pm. However, due to COVID-19, only the main worship halls are currently open.
Central Sikh Gurdwara Board
At 9 Jalan Bukit Merah, this organization runs Singapore’s Gurdwaras (Sikh Temples) and offers free vegetarian lunches every day.
Singapore Buddhist Lodge
Found at 17-19 Kim Yam Road, the lodge serves free vegetarian meals from 7am to 7pm. Note that the dining hall is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, so check for updates before visiting.
Sri Krishna Mandir
The Hare Krishna Temple’s SKM Welfare Society branch, located at No.9 Lorong 29 Geylang, #03-02, S388065, has run its Food For Life program since 2003. They offer free meals at their Geylang center and plan to expand to accommodate more people.
Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society
Operating since 1978, this non-profit organization runs four Free Meal Centres funded by donations and fundraising. They serve over 55,000 meals annually. The centers are located at:
- Telok Blangah Crescent – Blk 4 Telok Blangah Crescent #01-500 S090004
- Toa Payoh – Blk 31 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh #01-663 S310031
- Indus Moral Care – Blk 79 Indus Road #01-451 S161079
- Macpherson – Blk 91 Paya Lebar Way #01-3023 S370091
Never Go Hungry: Free Food Resources in Singapore
No one in Singapore should have to face hunger. Fortunately, there are several social initiatives dedicated to alleviating this issue.
If you’re in a position to make savvy financial choices for your meals or find great food delivery deals, consider supporting these organizations. They often rely on donations and fundraising to operate.
By contributing, you can play a part in making a difference. Every little effort helps build a better world for everyone.
(Credits: Free Food for All, pexels)
Since you’re here, why not read:
Free Stuff You Can Get During Your Birthday Month in Singapore
