In the heart of Singapore, a bold idea began to grow. MoNo, once known as MoNo Foods, started with a simple dream: to stop good food from going to waste. It was January 2022 when a group of young visionaries took their first step. They saw food tossed aside while many in the city still felt hunger. That did not sit right with them.
MoNo became more than just a project. It turned into a movement. Their team collects surplus food from shops and markets, saving it from landfills. They share these rescued goods with those who need them most. But they do not stop there.
Education is their secret weapon. Through workshops and talks, they show people how small changes can make a big difference. Their passion sparks hope and action in everyone they meet.
MoNo stands out because it brings people together — youth, families, and communities — showing that each meal saved is a story rewritten. Join them, and be part of a brighter, greener tomorrow. Every bite matters, and every hand can help.
The Food Waste Crisis in Singapore
Scale of the Problem
Singapore faces a severe food waste crisis that demands urgent attention and innovative solutions like MoNo’s approach:
Current Statistics (2023-2024):
- 755,000 metric tons of food waste generated annually
- Only 18% recycling rate for food waste
- 26,000 tonnes (S$342 million worth) thrown away by households annually
- Food waste has risen by about 40% over the last 10 years
- Food waste makes up about half of the average 1.5kg of waste disposed by each household daily
Economic Impact:
- 167,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables lost annually, plus 25,000 tonnes of fish and seafood, and 5,500 tonnes of eggs
- Wasted food accounts for 5.6% of total sales in the average food service business
Root Causes of Food Waste in Singapore
1. Household-Level Causes
Consumer Behavior Issues:
- Six in 10 households buy more than they need
- 70% throw away slightly expired food even if still edible
- Improper storage, purchasing patterns and food handling habits
- More than half of household food waste is preventable, with rice, noodles and bread being most commonly wasted
Knowledge Gaps:
- Confusion between “best before” and “use by” dates
- Lack of understanding about food safety vs. food quality
- Poor meal planning and portion control
- Inadequate food storage knowledge
2. Supply Chain and Business Causes
Retail and Distribution:
- Over-importation of food items
- Fragmented cold chain management
- Businesses contribute through inefficient processes and overproduction
- Strict aesthetic standards for fresh produce
- Conservative date labeling practices
Infrastructure Challenges:
- Poor disease and pest management, inadequate infrastructure
- Limited food redistribution networks
- Insufficient food recovery systems
- Complex logistics for surplus food management
3. Systemic and Regulatory Factors
Food Safety Regulations:
- Conservative date labeling requirements
- Limited flexibility for food redistribution from businesses
- Liability concerns for donating surplus food
Market Structure:
- Food waste generated across entire supply chain: farms, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, wet markets, supermarkets, hawker centres, restaurants, food courts, caterers, and homes
- Fragmented waste management systems
- Limited incentives for waste reduction
Environmental and Social Impact
Environmental Consequences
- Landfill Pressure: Singapore’s limited land space makes waste reduction critical
- Carbon Emissions: Food decomposition produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas
- Resource Waste: Water, energy, and land used to produce wasted food
- Import Dependency: Singapore imports 90% of food, making waste particularly costly
Social Consequences
- Food Security: Wasting food while vulnerable populations face food insecurity
- Economic Burden: Household and business costs from purchasing unnecessary food
- Educational Gap: Lack of awareness about sustainable consumption practices
How MoNo Addresses These Causes
Tackling Consumer Behavior
- Education: Teaching difference between “best before” and “use by” dates
- Accessibility: Pay-as-you-wish model reduces financial barriers
- Experience: Hands-on learning about food quality assessment
Supporting Supply Chain Efficiency
- Surplus Recovery: Direct partnerships with suppliers to rescue excess stock
- Redistribution Network: Creating channels for surplus food to reach consumers
- Value Creation: Turning potential waste into community resources
Building Awareness and Culture Change
- Community Engagement: Regular volunteers and customer education
- Social Media: Spreading awareness through Instagram and Facebook platforms
- Demonstration: Showing that surplus food can be valuable and safe
Government Response and Policy Context
Singapore’s government has recognized the food waste crisis through various initiatives:
- Zero Waste Master Plan: Targeting 30% reduction in waste to landfills by 2030
- 30-by-30 Goal: Producing 30% of nutritional needs locally by 2030
- Regulatory Support: MoNo operates under Singapore Food Agency regulation
- Funding Programs: National Youth Council and NEA grants supporting social enterprises
Organization Profile
Founding and Background
- Established: January 2022
- Legal Status: Social enterprise
- Funding: Supported by grants from the National Youth Council (NYC) and National Environment Agency (NEA)
- Regulation: Monitored by the Singapore Food Agency
- Mission: Fighting food waste through education and redistributing surplus stock while helping vulnerable communities
Current Location and Address
Primary Location: Tekka Place
Full Address: 2 Serangoon Road, Tekka Place, #B1-24, Singapore 218227
Operating Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM, Daily
Contact: 8945 7170
Website: www.mono.sg
Note: MoNo previously operated from Yue Hwa Building in Chinatown but relocated to Tekka Place in July 2024, with operations expected to continue until at least end-February 2025.
Core Services and Programs
1. Fill-A-Box System
MoNo’s flagship service operates on a unique “pay-as-you-wish” model:
How It Works:
- Customers contribute any amount between S$7 to S$35
- Receive an empty box corresponding to their donation amount
- Fill the box with available surplus food items
- Final rule: “As long as nothing falls out when shaken,” customers can take their box home
- Payment accepted via PayNow to the number displayed on their noticeboard
Box Sizes Available:
- Small box: S$7-15 donation range
- Medium box: S$16-25 donation range
- Large box: S$26-35 donation range
2. Food Redistribution Program
- Collects surplus and unsold pre-packaged food from suppliers
- Focuses on items past “best before” dates but still safe for consumption
- Redistributes to community members at affordable prices
- Regular donation drives supporting underprivileged communities
3. Educational Initiatives
- Raises awareness about food waste issues in Singapore
- Educates consumers on the difference between “best before” and “use by” dates
- Promotes understanding that food past best-before dates can still be safe
- Volunteer-led customer education at the physical location
4. Community Outreach
- Partners with schools, corporate organizations, and community groups
- Organizes sustainability workshops and awareness campaigns
- Collaborates with various food suppliers and partners
- Maintains active volunteer program
Food Waste Services Breakdown
MoNo Food Menu & Available Items
Daily Rotating Inventory
MoNo operates on a dynamic inventory system where available products change daily based on supplier donations and surplus stock. Customers can save up to 90% off retail prices with their range of European brands and other international products. The selection includes excess & unsold pre-packaged food from suppliers that is still in good condition.
Core Food Categories Available
1. Snacks & Confectionery
Sweet Treats:
- Premium chocolate bars (European and international brands)
- Gummy candies and hard sweets
- Cookies, biscuits, and wafers
- Seasonal candy (Valentine’s, Halloween, Christmas themes)
- Health bars and protein snacks
Savory Options:
- Imported potato chips and crisps
- Rice crackers and Asian snacks
- Nuts, seeds, and trail mixes
- Cheese crackers and savory biscuits
- Seaweed snacks and dried seafood
2. Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Drinks:
- Soft drinks and carbonated beverages
- Fruit juices and nectars (tropical and international flavors)
- Energy drinks and sports beverages
- Flavored water and vitamin drinks
- Coffee and tea products (instant and specialty)
- Plant-based milk alternatives
International Selections:
- Japanese ramune and unique sodas
- Korean flavored drinks
- European fruit beverages
- Specialty health drinks
3. Packaged Food Items
Meal Solutions:
- Instant noodles (Asian varieties, premium brands)
- Pasta and Italian products
- Ready-to-eat meals and soups
- Canned goods and preserved items
Cooking Essentials:
- Condiments and sauces
- Spices and seasonings
- Oils and vinegars
- Baking ingredients
- International cooking pastes and bases
4. Breakfast & Cereal Products
- International cereal brands
- Granola and muesli
- Breakfast bars and oatmeal
- Spreads and jams
- Honey and syrups
5. Specialty & International Items
Regional Favorites:
- Japanese snacks and Kit-Kat flavors
- Korean convenience store items
- European imported delicacies
- Middle Eastern and Mediterranean products
- Local Singapore brand overstock
Typical Box Contents by Size
Small Box ($7-15 donation)
Approximate Contents: 8-12 items
- 3-4 snack items (chips, cookies, candy)
- 2-3 beverages (juices, sodas)
- 2-3 packaged food items (noodles, condiments)
- 1-2 specialty or seasonal items
Medium Box ($16-25 donation)
Approximate Contents: 15-20 items
- 5-6 snack varieties
- 4-5 beverages
- 4-5 meal/cooking items
- 2-3 premium or imported products
Large Box ($26-35 donation)
Approximate Contents: 25+ items
- 8-10 snack items
- 6-8 beverages
- 6-8 food/cooking products
- 3-5 specialty international items
- Maximum variety across all categories
Brand Examples Found at MoNo
Based on customer reports and social media posts
International Brands:
- Kit-Kat (unique Asian flavors)
- Pocky and other Japanese snacks
- European chocolate brands
- Korean beverage brands
- Specialty health food brands
Local & Regional:
- Singapore manufactured items
- Asian instant noodle brands
- Local beverage companies
- Regional snack manufacturers
Daily Inventory Updates
- New arrivals posted on Instagram @mono.foods
- Best selection typically available in morning hours
- Weekend restocking with fresh supplier donations
- Special themed items during holidays and festivals
Quality Standards
- All items must be in unopened, undamaged packaging
- Focus on products past “best before” (not “use by”) dates
- Items are safe for consumption, customers advised to Look-Smell-Taste before consuming
- Items with compromised packaging are not offered
Seasonal Variations
Holiday Periods:
- Christmas: European chocolates, festive snacks
- Chinese New Year: Asian specialty items, traditional treats
- Ramadan: Halal-certified products, dates, specialty drinks
- Summer: Refreshing beverages, ice cream products (when available)
Food Safety Standards
- All items are pre-screened for safety and quality
- Focus on products past best-before (not use-by) dates
- Regulated by Singapore Food Agency standards
- Items must be in good condition with intact packaging
Pricing Strategy
The pay-as-you-wish model serves multiple purposes:
- Makes surplus food accessible to all economic backgrounds
- Generates funds for operational sustainability
- Reduces financial barriers to food access
- Promotes community responsibility and giving
How to Use MoNo’s Services
For Individual Customers
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the Location: Go to Tekka Place, #B1-24 during operating hours (11 AM – 9 PM)
- Choose Donation Amount: Decide on a contribution between S$7-35
- Receive Box: Get an empty box corresponding to your donation amount
- Browse and Fill: Select from available surplus food items to fill your box
- Payment: Use PayNow to transfer funds to the number on the noticeboard
- Final Check: Ensure nothing falls out when the box is shaken
- Take Home: Enjoy your sustainable food haul
After-Hours Access:
- The space remains accessible outside operating hours (12 PM – 9 AM)
- Self-service system available with PayNow payment
- Honor system operates for after-hours visits
For Suppliers and Partners
Food Suppliers:
- Contact MoNo to discuss surplus food donation
- Regular pickup services available
- Tax benefits may apply for food donations
- Contribute to corporate sustainability goals
Corporate Partners:
- Team building and CSR opportunities available
- Workplace sustainability education programs
- Bulk purchasing options for employee welfare programs
Volunteers:
- Regular volunteer opportunities available
- Training provided on food safety and customer education
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate different availability
- Community service hours recognition
Digital Presence and App Features
Website (www.mono.sg)
- Information about services and mission
- Partner collaboration opportunities
- Educational resources about food waste
- Contact information and location details
Social Media Presence
Instagram: @mono.foods (18K+ followers)
- Daily updates on available items
- Educational content about food waste
- Behind-the-scenes operations
- Customer testimonials and success stories
Facebook: MoNo Foods (1,945+ likes)
- Community engagement and updates
- Event announcements
- Partnership highlights
Note: Based on available information, MoNo does not appear to have a dedicated mobile app. Services are primarily accessed through their physical location and social media platforms.
Impact and Community Benefits
Environmental Impact
- Diverts thousands of kilograms of surplus food from landfills annually
- Reduces methane emissions from food decomposition
- Promotes circular economy principles
- Contributes to Singapore’s national waste reduction goals
Social Impact
- Provides affordable food access to diverse communities
- Supports underprivileged families through donation programs
- Creates volunteer opportunities for community engagement
- Raises awareness about sustainable consumption
Educational Impact
- Changes consumer mindsets about food expiration dates
- Promotes understanding of food safety vs. food waste
- Encourages sustainable shopping and consumption habits
- Builds community awareness of environmental issues
Strengths and Unique Features
Innovative Business Model
- Pay-as-you-wish system promotes inclusivity
- Self-sustaining social enterprise structure
- Flexible pricing accommodates different economic situations
- Community-driven approach to sustainability
Strategic Location
- Tekka Place offers high foot traffic in Little India area
- Accessible via multiple public transport options
- Cultural diversity of location aligns with inclusive mission
- Central location serves broad community base
Strong Partnerships
- Government support provides credibility and stability
- Food supplier network ensures consistent inventory
- Community partnerships extend reach and impact
- Volunteer network provides operational support
Challenges and Considerations
Temporary Nature
- Current lease at Tekka Place extends only until February 2025
- Previous relocation challenges suggest venue stability concerns
- Need for permanent location to ensure long-term sustainability
Limited Operating Model
- Physical location-only access may limit reach
- No delivery or online ordering system
- Operating hours may not suit all schedules
- After-hours honor system relies heavily on customer integrity
Inventory Variability
- Available items depend on supplier donations
- Cannot guarantee specific products or brands
- Seasonal variations in available surplus food
- Quality and selection may vary day to day
Recommendations for Users
For First-Time Visitors
- Visit during staffed hours (11 AM – 9 PM) for guidance
- Start with smaller donation amount to understand the system
- Follow their Instagram for updates on special items or events
- Bring your own reusable bag in addition to provided box
For Regular Customers
- Check social media for inventory updates
- Consider volunteering to support the mission
- Refer friends and family to expand community impact
- Provide feedback to help improve services
For Potential Partners
- Contact directly to discuss collaboration opportunities
- Consider both food donation and financial support options
- Explore employee engagement and CSR partnership possibilities
- Leverage partnership for corporate sustainability reporting
Future Outlook
MoNo represents a growing trend toward social enterprises addressing environmental challenges while serving community needs. As Singapore continues to prioritize sustainability and waste reduction, organizations like MoNo play crucial roles in demonstrating practical solutions to complex problems.
The success of MoNo’s model suggests potential for:
- Expansion to additional locations across Singapore
- Development of franchising or replication models
- Integration of technology solutions (mobile app, inventory tracking)
- Enhanced partnerships with major food retailers and manufacturers
Conclusion
MoNo stands out as an innovative and impactful social enterprise that successfully combines environmental sustainability with social good. Through its unique pay-as-you-wish model, educational initiatives, and community-focused approach, MoNo demonstrates how creative solutions can address multiple societal challenges simultaneously.
While currently operating without a dedicated mobile app, MoNo’s accessible physical location, strong social media presence, and straightforward service model make it easy for community members to participate in fighting food waste. The organization’s government backing, regulatory compliance, and community support position it well for continued growth and impact in Singapore’s sustainability landscape.
For individuals seeking affordable food options, companies looking for sustainability partnerships, or community members wanting to make a positive environmental impact, MoNo offers accessible and meaningful ways to contribute to a more sustainable Singapore.
Review compiled based on publicly available information as of August 2025. For the most current information about services, hours, and programs, visit www.mono.sg or contact MoNo directly.
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