Guide to Food Banks and Free Food Services - Maxthon

Every day, hope stirs in kitchens across Singapore. Here, a vibrant food assistance network brings comfort and warmth to thousands. It is not just about meals — it’s about sharing, caring, and leaving no one behind.

This guide is your map to kindness. Explore bustling food banks stacked with fresh goods. Step into community kitchens where volunteers serve hearty dishes with a smile. Discover free food spots tucked in lively neighborhoods, each offering their own special menu.

You’ll find more than just addresses. We share clear directions — hop on a bus or take the train, and you’re never far from help. Imagine savoring a fragrant bowl of rice or a hot soup, knowing each bite comes from someone who cares.

Let this guide inspire you. Whether you need a meal or want to give back, Singapore’s food network welcomes you. Together, we turn surplus into sustenance and strangers into friends.

Major Food Banks & Distribution Centers

1. The Food Bank Singapore (FBSG)

Address: 900 South Woodlands Drive, #05-07, Singapore 730900
Contact: +65 6842 3321
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Website: foodbank.sg

Overview: Founded in 2012 and registered as an Institution of Public Character (IPC), The Food Bank Singapore operates as a foodbank that collects excess food from food suppliers and re-distributes them to organisations such as old folks’ homes, family service centres and soup kitchens. As of 2019, it also distributes food through Food Pantry 2.0, vending machines at various locations which are accessible 24/7 to those with a special food credit card.

Services:

Food Pantry 2.0: 24/7 vending machines requiring special food credit cards
Donation Box Network: 80+ collection points across Singapore
Member Organization Distribution: Supplies to nursing homes, family service centres, and soup kitchens

Food Types Offered:

Staple Foods:

White jasmine rice (5kg, 10kg bags)
Brown rice and mixed grain options
Instant noodles (various flavors – chicken, beef, vegetarian)
Pasta and spaghetti
Bread (white, wholemeal, specialty breads)
Flour (plain, self-raising, rice flour)

Canned & Preserved Foods:

Canned vegetables (corn, green beans, mushrooms, tomatoes)
Canned fruits (peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, pineapple)
Canned fish (tuna, sardines, salmon, mackerel)
Canned meat (luncheon meat, chicken, beef)
Soups (mushroom, chicken, vegetable)
Sauces (tomato, curry, pasta sauces)

Proteins:

Frozen chicken (whole, parts, wings)
Frozen fish (pomfret, dory, local fish varieties)
Eggs (when available, fresh grade A)
Tofu and soy products
Lentils and dried beans
Nuts and seeds

Cooking Essentials:

Cooking oil (palm oil, canola oil, sesame oil)
Salt, sugar, pepper
Soy sauce (light, dark)
Oyster sauce, fish sauce
Spices (curry powder, turmeric, chili powder)
Rice vinegar and cooking wine

Beverages:

UHT milk (full cream, low fat, chocolate)
Juice boxes (apple, orange, mixed fruit)
Coffee (instant, ground)
Tea bags (black tea, Chinese tea, herbal)
Milo and other chocolate drinks
Mineral water

Snacks & Treats:

Biscuits (cream crackers, digestives, cookies)
Crackers and wafers
Dried fruits and nuts
Local snacks (muruku, keropok)
Chocolates and candies (during festivals)

Fresh Produce (Subject to Availability):

Vegetables (cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes, leafy greens)
Fruits (apples, oranges, bananas, local seasonal fruits)
Herbs (curry leaves, coriander, spring onions)

How to Get There:

Nearest MRT: Woodlands MRT (NS9) – 15-minute walk
Bus Services: 168, 170, 178, 911, 960 (Woodlands Drive 50)
From Woodlands MRT: Exit A, take Bus 168 towards Woodlands Centre, alight at Woodlands Drive 50

2. Food from the Heart (FFTH)

Address: 130 Joo Seng Road, #03-01, Singapore 368357
Contact: +65 6280 4483
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-6pm
Website: foodfromtheheart.sg

Overview: Food from the Heart is an IPC-status food bank in Singapore committed to battling hunger in Singapore. Established in 2003, they serve nearly 64,000 beneficiaries yearly through systematic programmes.

Key Programmes:

Bread Run: Fresh bread and pastries from bakeries
School Goodie Bag Programme: Nutritious snacks for children
Rice Distribution: Monthly rice allocation for families
Community Shop: Subsidized grocery shopping for registered members

Food Types Offered:

Bakery Items (Daily Fresh):

White bread, wholemeal bread, multigrain bread
Buns (burger buns, hot dog buns, dinner rolls)
Pastries (croissants, Danish pastries, muffins)
Cakes (sponge cake, pound cake, specialty cakes)
Cookies and biscuits
Seasonal items (mooncakes, festive breads)

Packaged Staples:

Rice varieties (jasmine, basmati, brown rice)
Instant noodles (maggi, nissin, local brands)
Cereals (cornflakes, oats, muesli)
Pasta and macaroni
Flour (plain, self-raising, rice flour)
Sugar, salt, and basic seasonings

Canned & Preserved Goods:

Vegetables (corn, peas, tomatoes, mushrooms)
Fruits (peaches, pears, tropical fruit mixes)
Proteins (tuna, sardines, chicken, luncheon meat)
Soups (mushroom, chicken, tomato)
Coconut milk and curry bases
Preserved vegetables and pickles

Children’s Food Items:

Baby food jars and pouches
Infant formula (when available)
Children’s snacks (fruit pouches, crackers)
Flavored milk boxes
Educational snacks with vitamins

Beverages:

UHT milk (various fat contents)
Fruit juices (apple, orange, mixed berry)
Coffee and tea supplies
Chocolate drinks (Milo, Horlicks)
Isotonic drinks
Mineral water

Frozen Items (When Available):

Frozen vegetables (mixed, corn, peas)
Ice cream treats
Frozen bread and baked goods
TV dinners and ready meals

Fresh Produce:

Root vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions)
Leafy greens (kangkung, spinach, lettuce)
Asian vegetables (bok choy, kai lan, bean sprouts)
Fruits (bananas, apples, local seasonal fruits)
Herbs and aromatics

Registration Required: Not a walk-in service – beneficiaries must register through social workers or family service centres.

How to Get There:

Nearest MRT: Bartley MRT (CC12) – 10-minute walk
Bus Services: 13, 56, 88, 107, 133 (Upper Serangoon Road)
From Bartley MRT: Exit A, walk towards Upper Serangoon Road, turn right into Joo Seng Road

3. Jamiyah Food Bank

Address: 9 Tannery Lane, Singapore 347787
Contact: +65 6293 5664
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm

Overview: A specialized food bank serving the Malay/Muslim community with halal-certified food distribution. Serves over 3,000 beneficiaries monthly, including elderly, disabled, low-income workers, and unemployed individuals.

Services:

Monthly food packages for registered families
Emergency food assistance
Ramadan special distributions
Hari Raya food packages

Food Types Offered:

Halal-Certified Products:

Halal rice varieties (basmati, jasmine, brown rice)
Halal instant noodles and pasta
Halal canned meats (chicken, beef, lamb curry)
Halal fish products (tuna, sardines, salmon)
Halal seasonings and curry powders
Halal snacks and biscuits

Cooking Ingredients:

Coconut milk and coconut cream
Curry leaves and pandan leaves
Sambal oelek and chili paste
Tamarind paste and palm sugar
Halal oyster sauce and soy sauce
Ghee and cooking oils

Traditional Foods:

Dates (especially during Ramadan)
Halal crackers and keropok
Traditional Malay spice mixes
Rendang and curry paste bases
Halal biscuits and cookies
Rose syrup and traditional drinks

Beverages:

Halal-certified milk products
Fruit juices and cordials
Coffee and tea (halal-certified)
Traditional drinks (bandung mix, teh tarik ingredients)
Isotonic drinks

Festival Specialties:

Ramadan: Enhanced portions, dates, special beverages
Hari Raya: Traditional cookies, rendang ingredients
Special occasion: Ketupat rice, lemang materials

Fresh Items (When Available):

Halal fresh vegetables
Tropical fruits
Fresh herbs (lemongrass, galangal, turmeric)
Halal bread and bakery items

How to Get There:

Nearest MRT: Lavender MRT (EW11) – 8-minute walk
Bus Services: 2, 4, 32, 33, 133, 145 (Kallang Road)
From Lavender MRT: Exit A, walk along Kallang Road towards Tannery Lane

Community Kitchens & Soup Kitchens

4. Willing Hearts

Address: 1 Lorong J Telok Kurau (entrance via Joo Chiat Place), Singapore 426918
Contact: +65 6476 5822 / 1800 222 0000
Operating Hours: Daily 5am-5pm
Website: willinghearts.org.sg

Overview: Singapore’s leading soup kitchen charity organisation, delivering free meals and other support services to the needy and marginalised. They prepare approximately 10,000 meals daily with the help of volunteers.

Food Types Served:

Hot Meal Components (Daily Preparation): Proteins:

Chicken curry (coconut-based with potatoes)
Fish curry (local fish with tomatoes and onions)
Braised pork belly with soy sauce
Steamed whole fish with ginger
Scrambled eggs with spring onions
Tofu dishes (mapo tofu, braised tofu)
Tau pok (fried tofu) curry

Vegetables:

Stir-fried kangkung (water spinach) with garlic
Braised cabbage with mushrooms
Bean sprouts with carrot julienne
Stir-fried bok choy with oyster sauce
Curry vegetables (potato, carrot, long beans)
Blanched Chinese lettuce with soy sauce
Mixed vegetable soup

Carbohydrates:

Steamed jasmine white rice
Fried rice with egg and vegetables
Rice porridge with preserved vegetables
Fried bee hoon (rice vermicelli) with cabbage
Plain mee goreng (fried noodles)
Instant noodles in broth

Soups:

Clear chicken soup with winter melon
Fish bone soup with tofu and vegetables
Tomato egg drop soup
Seaweed soup with mushrooms
Watercress soup with pork bones
Mixed vegetable soup

Breakfast Items:

Rice porridge with minced pork
Bread with kaya or jam
Hard-boiled eggs
Coffee and tea

Packed Meal Contents:

Disposable containers with rice + 2-3 dishes
Plastic spoons and napkins provided
Suitable for takeaway and delivery

Festival Enhancements:

Chinese New Year: Whole chicken, fish, extra vegetables
Deepavali: Indian-style curries and vegetarian options
Hari Raya: Halal-certified ingredients and dishes
Christmas: Special meat dishes and desserts

Distribution Model:

On-site dining at main kitchen
Island-wide delivery to 70+ locations
Mobile food trucks for remote areas

How to Get There:

Nearest MRT: Eunos MRT (EW7) – 12-minute walk
Bus Services: 16, 33, 135 (Joo Chiat Road)
From Eunos MRT: Exit A, walk along Joo Chiat Road, turn into Joo Chiat Place, then Lorong J Telok Kurau

5. Krsna’s Free Meals

Address: 20 Veerasamy Road, Singapore 207327 (Administrative office)
Contact: +65 9105 6343
Operating Hours: Daily 6:30am-9am & 11am-2:30pm
Website: krsnasfreemeals.org

Overview: Krsna’s Free Meals is a soup kitchen in Singapore run by like-minded volunteers. We serve migrant workers and those in need. To date, we have distributed over 1,000,000 breakfast and lunch.

Mobile Distribution Service: Unlike fixed-location kitchens, Krsna’s operates mobile distribution to migrant worker dormitories and construction sites.

Food Types Served:

Traditional Indian Vegetarian Cuisine:

Rice Preparations:

Steamed basmati rice with ghee
Vegetable biryani with mint and saffron
Coconut rice with curry leaves and mustard seeds
Lemon rice with turmeric and peanuts
Curd rice with mustard seed tempering
Sambar rice (rice mixed with lentil curry)

Dal & Lentil Dishes:

Dal tadka (yellow lentils with cumin tempering)
Chana dal (split chickpeas with onions)
Masoor dal (red lentils with tomatoes)
Mixed dal with vegetables
Rasam (tamarind lentil soup with spices)
Dal palak (lentils with spinach)

Vegetable Curries:

Aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry)
Bhindi masala (okra with onions and spices)
Baingan curry (eggplant curry)
Cabbage poriyal with coconut
Beans thoran with curry leaves
Mixed vegetable sambar
Drumstick curry with coconut

Bread & Accompaniments:

Fresh chapati made with wheat flour
Poori (deep-fried bread) for special occasions
Crispy papadam (lentil wafers)
Coconut chutney with green chilies
Mint chutney with coriander
Tomato chutney with onions
Mixed pickles (mango, lime)
Cucumber raita with yogurt

Traditional Sweets:

Payasam (rice pudding with cardamom)
Coconut laddu with jaggery
Semolina halwa with ghee
Mysore pak (chickpea flour sweet)
Kesari (semolina dessert with saffron)

Beverages:

South Indian filter coffee
Masala chai with cardamom and ginger
Buttermilk with curry leaves
Fresh lime water
Herbal teas (tulsi, ginger)

Festival Specialties:

Diwali: Special varieties of payasam, extra sweets
Pongal: Sweet pongal with jaggery, savory pongal
Krishna Janmashtami: Makhan (butter) dishes, special sweets
Navaratri: Sundal (chickpea salads), fasting foods

Weekend Specials (At Some Locations):

Appam (fermented rice pancakes) with vegetable stew
Plain dosa (fermented crepe) with chutney
Masala dosa with spiced potato filling
Idli (steamed rice cakes) with sambar

How to Access: This is a mobile service. Contact directly for current distribution points and schedules. Main distribution areas include:

Migrant worker dormitories in Jurong, Woodlands, Tuas
Construction sites (with prior arrangement)
Community centers in Little India area

6. Singapore Buddhist Lodge

Address: 17-19 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239329
Contact: +65 6737 2630
Operating Hours: Daily 7am-7pm
Additional Locations: Multiple venues across Singapore

Overview: One of Singapore’s most comprehensive free meal programmes, serving three meals daily with excellent food quality and variety.

Food Types Served:

Strictly Vegetarian/Vegan Buddhist Cuisine:

Breakfast Options (7am-9:30am):

Rice congee with preserved mustard greens
Sweet potato congee with goji berries
Century egg congee (using vegan egg substitute)
Steamed buns filled with red bean paste
Vegetable buns with mushrooms and cabbage
Rice noodle soup with mushrooms and tofu
Fresh soy milk (unsweetened and sweetened)
Chinese tea varieties (oolong, jasmine, pu-erh)
Pickled vegetables (radish, cabbage, cucumber)

Lunch Buffet (11:30am-2:30pm) – 6-8 Hot Dishes Daily:

Noodle & Rice Dishes:

Fried bee hoon with dark soy sauce, cabbage, bean sprouts, carrot
Vegetarian mee goreng with mock char siu
Singapore-style rice vermicelli with curry powder
Fried rice with mixed vegetables and mock meat
Claypot rice with Chinese sausage (vegetarian version)

Mock Meat Preparations:

Sweet and sour “pork” (wheat gluten-based)
Kung pao “chicken” with peanuts and dried chilies
“Fish” curry with banana flower and coconut milk
Braised “beef” with star anise and dark soy
“Char siu” (BBQ pork substitute) with honey glaze

Vegetable Dishes:

Curry cabbage with potatoes and coconut milk
Stir-fried kai lan with garlic and oyster mushroom sauce
Mapo tofu with silky soft tofu and spicy bean sauce
Braised tau kwa (firm tofu) with mushrooms
Stir-fried long beans with preserved radish
Buddha’s delight (mixed vegetables with mushrooms)

Soups:

Winter melon soup with dried shiitake
Seaweed soup with tofu and corn
Tomato tofu soup with egg substitute
Chinese herbal soup with lotus root
Clear vegetable broth with bok choy

DIY Fresh Spring Roll Station:

Fresh lettuce leaves (iceberg, butter lettuce)
Julienned cucumber, carrot, and daikon
Bean sprouts and herbs (mint, cilantro)
Vietnamese rice paper wraps
Dipping sauces: sweet dark soy, peanut sauce, chili oil

Desserts & Fruits:

Fresh seasonal fruits (watermelon, papaya, oranges, apples)
Chinese almond jelly with fruit cocktail
Red bean ice cream (dairy-free)
Grass jelly dessert with palm sugar

Dinner Service (5pm-6:30pm):

Lighter portions of lunch dishes (4-6 selections)
Emphasis on easily digestible soups
Steamed vegetables with minimal oil
Porridge options for elderly diners

Festival & Special Occasion Menus:

Chinese New Year:

Prosperity “fish” dish (mock fish with vegetables)
Nian gao (sticky rice cake) preparations
Vegetarian dumplings with mushroom filling
Lotus root dishes for good fortune
“Yusheng” salad with mock fish

Vesak Day (Buddha’s Birthday):

Enhanced buffet with 12+ dishes
Traditional Buddhist delicacies
Special ceremonial foods
Increased variety of mock meats
Extra dessert selections

Mid-Autumn Festival:

Vegetarian mooncakes
Seasonal vegetable preparations
Taro and sweet potato dishes
Pomelo fruit displays

Dietary Principles:

No garlic, onion, leek, chive, or scallion (Five Pungent Roots)
No alcohol in cooking
Minimal oil usage (steaming, braising preferred)
No eggs or dairy products
Fresh ingredients sourced daily from local markets

Dietary Features:

Strict vegetarian/vegan (no animal products)
No garlic, onion, or pungent vegetables (Buddhist principles)
Minimal oil, emphasis on steaming and braising
Fresh daily ingredients

How to Get There:

Nearest MRT: Novena MRT (NS20) – 8-minute walk
Bus Services: 21, 124, 131, 132, 142, 162 (Thomson Road)
From Novena MRT: Exit B, walk along Thomson Road towards Balestier, turn left into Kim Yam Road

Religious & Community-Based Food Services

7. Central Sikh Gurdwara Board (Langar Service)

Address: 2 Towner Road, Central Sikh Gurdwara, Singapore 327804
Contact: +65 6299 3855
Operating Hours: Daily 6am-8pm
Langar Times: Daily 12pm-3pm

Overview: The Central Sikh Temple’s langar (community kitchen) embodies the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service). They serve free vegetarian lunches daily to thousands of people regardless of background, religion, or economic status.

Daily Langar Menu (12pm-3pm):

Dal (Lentil Curry): Made with onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, perfectly spiced
Sabzi (Vegetable Curry): Seasonal vegetables with traditional spices
Rotis/Chapati: Fresh flatbread with ghee (clarified butter)
Steamed Basmati Rice: Fluffy long-grain rice
Kheer: Sweet rice pudding on special occasions
Chai: Traditional spiced tea available throughout the day

Cooking Style:

Traditional Punjabi methods
Large-quantity community cooking
Fresh ingredients sourced daily
Lacto-vegetarian following Sikh principles

Cultural Protocol:

Head covering required (scarves provided)
Remove shoes before entering dining area
Communal floor seating
Wash hands at designated stations
Unlimited refills available

Nutritional Information:

450-550 calories per complete meal
High protein from lentils (15-20g)
Complex carbohydrates from rice and chapati
Essential vitamins from vegetables and spices

How to Get There:

Nearest MRT: Farrer Park MRT (NE8) – 5-minute walk
Bus Services: 21, 23, 130, 131, 139, 147 (Race Course Road)
From Farrer Park MRT: Exit A, walk along Race Course Road, turn left into Towner Road

8. Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society (THKMS)

Address: 1 North Bridge Road, High Street Centre, #03-33, Singapore 179094
Contact: +65 6337 1201
Operating Hours: Mon-Thu: 9am-6pm, Fri: 9am-5:30pm, Closed weekends

Overview: Established in 1978, THKMS operates four Free Meal Centres across Singapore, serving over 55,000 vegetarian-friendly meals annually.

Lunch Service (11:30am-2:30pm):

Mixed Vegetable Rice: Steamed rice with 2-3 stir-fried vegetables
Vegetarian Soup: Clear broth with tofu, mushrooms, leafy greens
Protein Options: Mock meat, braised tofu, tempeh curry
Noodle Options: Fried bee hoon, vegetarian mee goreng

Nutritional Profile:

400-500 calories per meal
High fiber from vegetables
Plant-based protein from tofu and legumes
Low sodium preparation

Additional Locations:

Chinatown: 146 Tanjong Pagar Road
Toa Payoh: 190 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh
Jurong: 502 Jurong West Street 51

How to Get There:

Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT (NS25/EW13) – 3-minute walk
Bus Services: 51, 61, 63, 80, 145, 166, 197 (North Bridge Road)
From City Hall MRT: Exit A, walk towards North Bridge Road, turn right 200m

9. Sri Krishna Mandir (Food For Life Programme)

Address: 9 Lorong 29 Geylang, #03-02, Singapore 388065
Contact: +65 6250 2280
Operating Hours: Contact for current meal times

Overview: Running since 2003, this Hare Krishna-inspired programme serves thousands of vegetarian meals annually. The Food For Life programme is guided by spiritual principles emphasizing compassion and service.

Traditional Menu:

Rice Preparations: Vegetarian biryani, sambar rice, lemon rice
Curries: Mixed vegetable curry, dal varieties, rasam
Indian Breads: Chapati, poori (special occasions)
Traditional Items: Khichdi, curd rice, pickle
Sweets: Prasadam (blessed food), festival sweets
Beverages: Buttermilk, herbal teas

Special Features:

Spiritually-prepared meals (prasadam)
Traditional Vedic cooking methods
Expansion plans with larger dining hall
Festival-specific menu enhancements

How to Get There:

Nearest MRT: Aljunied MRT (EW9) – 8-minute walk
Bus Services: 2, 7, 13, 26, 51 (Geylang Road)
From Aljunied MRT: Exit A, walk along Geylang Road, turn into Lorong 29

Innovative Food Distribution Models

10. Free Food for All (FFFA)

Address: 60 Kaki Bukit Place, Eunos Techpark, #05-07, Singapore 415979
Contact: +65 6530 3661
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm

Overview: An IPC-registered charity that has served over 500,000 halal meals since 2015. FFFA operates innovative programmes including community fridges, ready-to-eat meal pouches, and children’s breakfast programmes.

Programme Types:

Community Fridges: 24/7 access refrigerators
Ready-to-Eat Pouches: Shelf-stable meals (2-year shelf life)
Children’s Breakfast Programme: School partnerships
Mobile Distribution: Reach homebound elderly

Food Types Offered:

Ready-to-Eat Meal Pouches (2-year shelf life): Rice Meal Varieties:

Chicken curry with jasmine rice and potatoes
Beef rendang with coconut rice and vegetables
Fish curry with basmati rice and long beans
Vegetarian curry with mixed vegetables and tofu
Nasi lemak with coconut rice, sambal, and mock meat
Tom yum fried rice with shrimp flavoring (halal)

Noodle Dishes:

Halal mee goreng with vegetables and mock char siu
Laksa with coconut milk and fish cake substitute
Bee hoon with dark soy sauce and cabbage
Curry noodles with potato and tofu
Pad thai style noodles (halal version)

International Options:

Spaghetti with halal meat sauce
Fried rice with mixed vegetables
Teriyaki chicken with rice (halal)
Biryani rice with lamb (halal)

Community Fridge Items (24/7 Access): Pre-packed Fresh Meals:

Nasi padang with rendang and vegetables
Chicken rice with steamed chicken
Mee rebus with hard-boiled egg
Vegetarian bee hoon with tofu
Indian curry rice with dal

Sandwiches & Light Meals:

Tuna sandwiches with cucumber
Egg mayonnaise sandwiches
Chicken sandwich with lettuce
Vegetarian wrap with hummus
Club sandwiches with mock meat

Snacks & Beverages:

Halal biscuits and crackers
Fruit cups and apple sauce
Chocolate milk and flavored milk
100% fruit juices
Energy bars and granola bars
Local snacks (halal keropok, nuts)

Children’s Food Items: Breakfast Programme:

Halal cereal with UHT milk
Wholemeal bread with jam or spread
Fresh fruits (bananas, apples, oranges)
Flavored milk boxes
Oatmeal packets with dried fruits

School Snacks:

Halal crackers and cheese
Fruit pouches and cups
Granola bars
Rice crackers
Dried fruits and nuts mix

How to Get There:

Nearest MRT: Kaki Bukit MRT (DT28) – 5-minute walk
Bus Services: 15, 28, 35, 158 (Kaki Bukit Avenue 1)
From Kaki Bukit MRT: Exit A, walk towards Kaki Bukit Place, enter Eunos Techpark

11. Anna Lakshmi Restaurant

Operating Model: Pay-as-you-wish vegetarian buffet
Multiple Locations: Check website for current locations

Overview: Unlike traditional free meal centres, Anna Lakshmi operates on a unique pay-as-you-wish model. This volunteer-run restaurant serves an extensive vegetarian Indian buffet where diners contribute whatever they can afford – including nothing at all.

Extensive Buffet Menu: Rice Varieties:

Steamed basmati rice
Coconut rice with curry leaves
Curd rice with mustard seeds
Vegetable biryani with mint

Curries & Dal:

Multiple dal varieties (toor, chana, masoor)
Mixed vegetable curry
Sambar with drumsticks and okra
Rasam with tomatoes and tamarind

Dry Dishes:

South Indian poriyal (vegetable stir-fries)
Cabbage thoran with coconut
Beans curry with onions
Potato masala

Breads & Accompaniments:

Fresh chapati and poori
Crispy papadam
Multiple chutneys (coconut, mint, tomato)
Pickles and raita

Desserts:

Payasam (rice pudding)
Laddu and halwa
Seasonal festival sweets

Beverages:

South Indian filter coffee
Masala buttermilk
Herbal teas

Weekend Specials:

Appam with vegetable stew
Dosa varieties (plain, masala)
Special festival preparations

12. Community Fridges Network

Service Type: 24/7 community refrigerators
Multiple Locations: Distributed across Singapore

Overview: Community fridges address food insecurity by providing 24/7 access to free food. The network is supported by various organizations and volunteers.

Key Operators:

Fridge Restock Community (FRC):

Rescues “ugly” fruits and vegetables
19 community fridges, 13 distribution points
50+ volunteers for collection and restocking

Typical Fridge Contents: Fresh Produce:

Slightly bruised fruits (apples, oranges, bananas)
Imperfect vegetables (carrots, cabbage, potatoes)
Leafy greens approaching sell-by dates
Seasonal items from wholesale markets

Prepared Foods:

Sandwiches from cafes
Bakery items (bread, pastries)
Pre-packed meals from events
Leftover catering food

Packaged Items:

Canned goods
Dry snacks and biscuits
Beverages and milk
Non-perishable staples

Popular Locations:

HDB void decks in heartland areas
Community centers
Religious institutions
Near MRT stations

13. SG Food Rescue

Service Type: Community-driven surplus food redistribution
Operating Model: Social media alert network

Overview: SG Food Rescue operates through social media networks to quickly redistribute surplus food from events, bakeries, and restaurants. Participants join Facebook and Telegram groups to receive real-time alerts about available food pickups.

Food Types Available:

Rescued Catering & Event Food: Wedding Banquet Items:

Whole roasted chicken and duck
Braised pork belly with preserved vegetables
Steamed fish with soy sauce and ginger
Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, asparagus)
Yang chow fried rice
Braised mushrooms with oyster sauce
Traditional wedding desserts (bird’s nest, almond jelly)
Fresh fruit platters

Corporate Event Catering:

Western-style lunch boxes (sandwich, salad, fruit, cookie)
Asian lunch boxes (rice, protein, vegetables, soup)
Canapés and finger foods
Cheese and fruit platters
Mini quiches and sandwiches
Pasta salads and grain salads
Assorted pastries and desserts

Hotel Breakfast Surplus:

Continental breakfast items (bread, pastries, fruits)
Cooked breakfast foods (scrambled eggs, sausages, beans)
Cereals and muesli
Yogurt cups and fresh fruits
Juice and coffee
Local breakfast items (congee, dim sum)

Bakery End-of-Day Items: Bread Varieties:

White bread, wholemeal, multigrain loaves
Baguettes and artisan breads
Burger buns and hot dog rolls
Dinner rolls and garlic bread
Local breads (kaya toast bread, pandan bread)

Pastries & Desserts:

Croissants (plain, chocolate, almond)
Danish pastries with fruit fillings
Muffins (blueberry, chocolate chip, banana)
Donuts and cream-filled pastries
Cakes (sponge, pound, specialty flavors)
Cookies and biscuits

Restaurant Surplus: Asian Restaurant Items:

Dim sum varieties (har gow, siu mai, pau)
Noodle dishes (fried bee hoon, mee goreng)
Rice dishes (chicken rice, nasi lemak)
Curry dishes with vegetables
Tofu and vegetable preparations
Fresh spring rolls and salads

Western Restaurant Items:

Pasta dishes (carbonara, aglio olio, bolognese)
Salads (Caesar, garden, pasta salads)
Soups (mushroom, tomato, chicken)
Sandwiches and wraps
Pizza slices (various toppings)
Grilled meats and vegetables

Seasonal & Festival Foods: Chinese New Year:

Reunion dinner leftovers
Traditional sweets (pineapple tarts, love letters)
Mandarin oranges and festive fruits
Yu sheng ingredients
Steamed whole fish and chicken

Hari Raya:

Ketupat and lemang
Rendang and curry dishes
Traditional cookies (kuih raya)
Dates and Middle Eastern sweets

Christmas:

Roasted meats (turkey, ham, chicken)
Christmas cookies and fruitcakes
Festive desserts and chocolates
Special holiday beverages

Access Method:

Join Facebook groups: “SG Food Rescue,” “Singapore Food Sharing”
Telegram channels for instant notifications
Instagram account updates
WhatsApp community groups by area

Pickup Requirements:

Must respond within 15-30 minutes of posting
Own transportation preferred (some locations accessible by public transport)
Bring containers for loose items
Follow food safety guidelines
Share with others in need when quantities are large

Access Instructions:

Join SG Food Rescue Facebook group
Enable notifications for posts
Join Telegram group for instant alerts
Respond quickly to pickup opportunities
Coordinate with other group members

Requirements:

Must respond within 15-30 minutes of alert
Own transportation preferred
Willingness to share with others in need
Follow food safety guidelines

Specialized Food Assistance Services

14. Lions Home for the Elders

Address: 16 Lengkong Tiga, Singapore 417509
Contact: +65 6741 4139
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 8am-8pm (visiting hours)

Donation Categories: Food Items Accepted:

Bakery items (bread, buns, cakes)
Canned foods (vegetables, fruits, soups)
Fresh vegetables (with advance notice)
Dim sum and frozen foods
Rice, noodles, and cooking essentials

Additional Items:

Hygiene products
Clothing and towels
Medical supplies (unused)
Household items for residents

How to Get There:

Nearest MRT: Bishan MRT (NS17/CC15) – 10-minute walk
Bus Services: 13, 88, 130, 162 (Upper Thomson Road)

15. Second Harvest Asia

Service Type: Food banking network coordinator
Focus: Supporting local food banks across Asia

Overview: Second Harvest Asia is known for supporting local food banks by promoting various models of food banking in Singapore and across Asia.

Services:

Training for food bank operations
Best practice sharing
Technology solutions for food redistribution
Volunteer coordination support
Partnership facilitation between donors and food banks

16. FairPrice Foundation Neighbourhood Food Share

Service Type: Surplus produce redistribution
Focus: Fresh fruits and vegetables

Overview: Join our FairPrice Foundation Neighbourhood Food Share initiative. Combat food waste with our restock programme, providing accessible, fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need.

Programme Features:

Surplus fresh produce from FairPrice stores
Community fridge restocking
Partnership with food rescue volunteers
Focus on reducing fresh food waste

Food Assistance by Area

Central Singapore

Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society (City Hall MRT)
Singapore Buddhist Lodge (Novena MRT)
Central Sikh Gurdwara (Farrer Park MRT)

East Singapore

Willing Hearts (Eunos MRT)
Food from the Heart (Bartley MRT)
Free Food for All (Kaki Bukit MRT)
Sri Krishna Mandir (Aljunied MRT)

North Singapore

The Food Bank Singapore (Woodlands MRT)
Jamiyah Food Bank (Lavender MRT)

West Singapore

Various Willing Hearts distribution points
Community fridges in Jurong and Clementi
Mobile services in industrial areas

Emergency Food Resources

Immediate Need Contacts

Willing Hearts Hotline: 1800 222 0000
ComCare Hotline: 1800 222 0000
Community Development Councils: Contact nearest CDC for local resources

Walk-in Services (No Registration Required)

Singapore Buddhist Lodge (All meals, daily)
Central Sikh Gurdwara (Lunch, daily)
Willing Hearts (All meals, daily)
Thye Hua Kwan locations (Weekday lunch)

Mobile & Flexible Services

Krsna’s Free Meals (Mobile distribution)
SG Food Rescue (Community alerts)
Community Fridges (24/7 access)

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

High-Impact Volunteer Roles

Willing Hearts:

Meal preparation (5am-5pm daily)
Food sorting and packing
Delivery driving
Kitchen cleaning

Singapore Buddhist Lodge:

Cooking and serving
Food preparation
Dining area assistance
Event coordination

The Food Bank Singapore:

Food collection from donors
Warehouse sorting and packing
Distribution to member organizations
Administrative support

Donation Guidelines

Most Needed Items:

Rice (5kg bags preferred)
Cooking oil
Canned vegetables and fruits
UHT milk and beverages
Instant noodles
Biscuits and snacks

Fresh Food Donations:

Must be coordinated in advance
Same-day pickup/distribution required
Proper food safety handling essential

Monetary Donations:

All major food banks accept online donations
Tax-deductible for IPC-registered organizations
Allows organizations to purchase exactly what’s needed

General Guidelines for Recipients

Etiquette and Behavior

Dress modestly and maintain respectful behavior
Be patient during busy meal times
Follow venue-specific protocols (shoes, head covering)
Offer to help with cleaning if appropriate
Show gratitude to volunteers and staff

What to Expect

Simple, nutritious meals – quality varies but all wholesome
Communal dining with shared tables
Diverse communities from all backgrounds
Some locations may incorporate prayers or spiritual elements

Best Times to Visit

Weekday mornings often less crowded
Avoid peak lunch hours (12-1pm) when possible
Call ahead to confirm meal times and availability
Religious holidays may affect operating schedules

Required Documentation

Most soup kitchens: No documentation required
Food banks: May require registration through social workers
Special programmes: Eligibility criteria may apply

Transportation Guide

MRT System Tips

Purchase EZ-Link card for convenient travel
Off-peak hours offer cheaper fares
Senior citizens and students get discounted rates
Use TransitLink mobile app for route planning

Bus Services

Keep small change for cash payments
EZ-Link cards accepted on all buses
Check SG BusLeh app for real-time arrival times
Express services available for longer distances

Walking Directions

Most locations within 10-15 minutes from MRT
Singapore has excellent pedestrian infrastructure
Use Google Maps or Citymapper for detailed walking directions
Many venues located in HDB estates or commercial areas

Emergency Contacts & Resources

National Helplines

ComCare Hotline: 1800 222 0000 (Social assistance)
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800 221 4444 (Crisis support)
Silver Ribbon: 6385 3714 (Mental health)

Government Resources

Ministry of Social and Family Development: msf.gov.sg
Community Development Councils: Contact nearest CDC
Social Service Offices: For comprehensive assistance

Online Resources

Giving.sg: Volunteer opportunities and donations
Singapore Food Bank Directory: Various charity websites
Community Facebook Groups: Local area food sharing groups

Food Safety & Health Considerations

Food Safety Guidelines

Check food expiration dates in community fridges
Consume perishable items immediately
Report any food safety concerns to venue staff
Follow personal dietary restrictions and allergies

Nutritional Considerations

Most meals provide balanced nutrition
Vegetarian options widely available
Halal-certified meals available at Muslim organizations
Special dietary needs may require advance notice

Health Precautions

Wash hands before eating
Use provided utensils and plates
Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather
Inform staff of any medical dietary requirements

This guide represents current information as of August 2025. Operating hours, locations, and services may change. Always contact venues directly to confirm details before visiting. The food assistance network in Singapore continues to evolve, with new initiatives and partnerships regularly emerging to better serve the community.

Acknowledgments: This comprehensive guide is compiled from public information, organization websites, and community reports. Special thanks to all volunteers, donors, and organizations working tirelessly to address food insecurity in Singapore.

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