Overview
Food insecurity affects approximately 30% of Singaporeans over 50, with many not eating enough or lacking proper nutrition. This guide provides detailed information about organizations offering free or subsidized meals across Singapore.
1. Free Food For All (FFFA)
Program Review
FFFA is a registered charity that has been operating since 2014, distributing over 320,000 Halal meals since 2015. The organization focuses on providing dignified food assistance without discrimination based on race or religion.
Target Beneficiaries
- Homeless individuals or those in interim housing
- Low-income families
- Elderly and differently-abled communities
- Anyone under economic stress
- Injured migrant workers
Registration Process
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis through their Free Food Programme. Contact FFFA directly to apply for assistance.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Free Halal meals (rice with dishes)
- Hot cooked meals with protein and vegetables
- Culturally diverse options for various communities
- Multiple distribution sessions weekly
Typical Menu Items:
- Rice or noodles as base
- Chicken, beef, or fish dishes
- Vegetable sides
- Soup when available
Address & Contact
Started at Darul Aman Mosque with multiple distribution points island-wide. Visit their website or social media for current distribution locations and schedules.
2. Singapore Buddhist Lodge
Program Review
One of the most accessible food assistance programs in Singapore, offering three meals daily for extended hours. The lodge has been serving the community for decades with vegetarian meals.
Registration Process
No registration required. Walk-in service available during operating hours.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Free vegetarian meals (100% plant-based)
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner available
- Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
Typical Menu Items:
- White rice or brown rice
- Mixed vegetables (stir-fried or curry-based)
- Tofu and bean curd dishes
- Vegetarian renditions of local favorites
- Clear soup
- Dessert occasionally (red bean soup, sweet soup)
- Chinese tea provided
Address
17-19 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239311
Additional Notes
Check current status as dining hall operations may be affected by health measures. The lodge welcomes everyone regardless of religious background.
3. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Program Review
Located in the heart of Chinatown, this temple provides daily free meals in a peaceful, welcoming environment. The temple combines spiritual space with practical community support.
Registration Process
No registration required. Open to all who need a meal.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Free vegetarian meals (Buddhist vegetarian style)
- Daily service from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM
- Sit-down dining in temple atmosphere
Typical Menu Items:
- Steamed white rice
- Chinese vegetarian dishes (2-3 varieties)
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Mock meat dishes (wheat gluten or soy-based)
- Braised tofu or tempeh
- Chinese vegetable soup
- Seasonal vegetables
- Tea and water provided
Address
288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840
Additional Notes
Main worship halls remain open, but some facilities may have restricted access. Call ahead to confirm meal service availability.
4. Central Sikh Gurdwara Board
Program Review
The Gurdwara practices “Langar,” a Sikh tradition of community kitchen service that has fed people for centuries. This is one of Singapore’s most consistent free meal programs.
Registration Process
No registration required. All are welcome regardless of background.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Free vegetarian lunch daily (Langar tradition)
- Traditional Sikh community meals
- Fresh, home-cooked style food
- All-you-can-eat until satisfied
Typical Menu Items:
- Chapati or roti (Indian flatbread)
- Dal (lentil curry) – usually yellow dal
- Sabzi (mixed vegetable curry)
- White rice
- Kheer or sweet dessert (weekends/special occasions)
- Salad (onions, cucumber, tomatoes)
- Pickles and condiments
- Water and occasionally chai (tea)
Address
2 Towner Road, Singapore 327804 (Central Gurdwara)
Additional locations:
- Silat Road Gurdwara: 2 Jalan Rajah, Singapore 329156
- Yishun Gurdwara: 2 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799447
5. Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society Free Meal Centres
Program Review
Operating four meal centres across Singapore since 1978, THK has served over 55,000 meals annually. The organization focuses on providing nutritious, healthy meals to ensure proper nutrition, not just full stomachs.
Registration Process
Walk-in service available at all centres during meal times.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Nutritionally balanced meals
- Fresh ingredients with attention to health
- Regular meal times at each centre
- Combination of local and healthy cuisine
Typical Menu Items:
- Steamed white rice or brown rice
- Protein dish (chicken, fish, or egg)
- Two vegetable dishes (leafy greens, mixed vegetables)
- Soup (clear soup or herbal soup)
- Fresh fruit (banana, orange, or seasonal)
- Low-sodium and low-sugar options
- Diabetic-friendly meals available
- Halal options at some centres
Addresses
Telok Blangah Centre Block 4 Telok Blangah Crescent #01-500, Singapore 090004
Toa Payoh Centre Block 31 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh #01-663, Singapore 310031
Indus Road Centre Block 79 Indus Road #01-451, Singapore 161079
Macpherson Centre Block 91 Paya Lebar Way #01-3023, Singapore 370091
6. Sri Krishna Mandir (Food For Life)
Program Review
Operating since 2003, the Hare Krishna Temple’s Food For Life program serves free meals with plans to expand capacity to 1,000 people. They also deliver meals to senior care homes.
Registration Process
Walk-in service available at their Geylang centre.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Free vegetarian meals (lacto-vegetarian)
- Krishna prasadam (sanctified food)
- Regular distribution schedule
- Meals prepared with devotion in temple kitchen
Typical Menu Items:
- Basmati rice or rice preparations
- Subji (vegetable curry) – various regional styles
- Dal (lentil preparations)
- Chapati or puri (Indian breads)
- Raita (yogurt-based side dish)
- Sweet prasadam (halwa, ladoo, or payasam)
- Paneer dishes on special occasions
- Seasonal fruits
- Water and sometimes buttermilk
Address
No. 9 Lorong 29 Geylang #03-02, Singapore 388065
Future Plans
Moving to larger premises with dedicated eating hall and walk-in outlet.
7. Reach Community Services – Reach Community Cafe
Program Review
A unique pay-as-you-wish cafe primarily for seniors, creating social spaces for elderly to connect over meals. Run by senior volunteers who serve as chefs and baristas.
Registration Process
No registration required. Walk in and pay what you can afford (including $0).
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Weekly rotating menu
- Cafe-style meals and beverages
- Social dining environment
- Western and Asian fusion options
Typical Menu Items:
- Noodle dishes (fried noodles, soup noodles)
- Rice meals (chicken rice, nasi lemak, fried rice)
- Western options (pasta, sandwiches)
- Local favorites (laksa, mee siam)
- Coffee, tea, Milo
- Toast and light snacks
- Homemade kueh (traditional cakes)
- Soup of the day
Address
Block 417 Bukit Batok West Avenue 4, Singapore 650417
Special Features
- Senior-operated
- Social connection focus
- Donations welcome to help others
8. Annalakshmi Restaurant
Program Review
Operating for over 15 years with a “Eat as you want, Give as you Feel” philosophy. This Indian vegetarian restaurant has served over 30,000 meals through special programs including the Migrant Workers Meal Programme.
Registration Process
No registration needed. Simply dine in and contribute what you can afford.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- North and South Indian vegetarian cuisine
- Full restaurant menu available
- Thali-style meals (complete platter)
- Special festival meals during Eid and other occasions
Typical Menu Items:
- Variety of curries (paneer, aloo gobi, chana masala)
- Biryani and rice dishes
- Dosa (South Indian crepes)
- Idli and vada (steamed rice cakes and lentil fritters)
- Chapati, naan, and paratha breads
- Samosas and appetizers
- Rasam and sambar (South Indian soups)
- Various chutneys and pickles
- Indian sweets (gulab jamun, jalebi, payasam)
- Lassi and Indian beverages
- Unlimited rice and bread refills
Address
Central Square #01-04, 20 Havelock Road, Singapore 059765
9. The Salvation Army Meal Programs
Program Review
The Salvation Army operates multiple community programs including meal services for vulnerable populations. They provide both on-site meals and food parcels.
Registration Process
Contact individual centres for registration requirements. Some programs require referrals from social workers.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Hot meals at community centres
- Food parcels for families
- Special provisions during holidays
- Mix of prepared meals and groceries
Typical Food Items:
- Rice, bread, and instant noodles
- Canned goods (beans, sardines, luncheon meat)
- Cooking oil and condiments
- Milk powder and beverages
- Biscuits and snacks
- Hot cooked meals during special programs
- Fresh vegetables (when available)
- Eggs and protein items
Addresses
Peacehaven Block 209 New Upper Changi Road #03-651, Singapore 460209
The Salvation Army Haven 65 Hillside Drive, Singapore 548609
Contact
Call 6555 0188 or visit their website for program details.
10. Food from the Heart
Program Review
Major food charity in Singapore distribuing food to over 10,000 beneficiaries monthly. While primarily operating through food distribution rather than meal centres, they provide essential groceries to those in need.
Registration Process
Applications through their website or referrals from social service agencies. Assessment conducted to verify eligibility.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Monthly food packs with essentials
- Bread Run program (fresh leftover bread from bakeries)
- Breakfast program for students
- Standard and Halal food packs available
Typical Food Pack Contents:
- Rice (5-10kg bags)
- Cooking oil (1-2 liters)
- Canned goods (sardines, tuna, baked beans, luncheon meat)
- Instant noodles (multiple packs)
- Biscuits and crackers
- Condensed/evaporated milk
- Milo or beverage powder
- Soy sauce and seasoning
- Eggs (when available)
- Bread from daily Bread Run
- Fresh produce occasionally
Address (Head Office)
Blk 4012 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 #01-08, Singapore 569628
Contact
6280 4483 | [email protected]
11. Willing Hearts
Program Review
One of Singapore’s largest soup kitchens, preparing and distributing over 9,000 meals daily to individuals and beneficiary organizations. Operates 365 days a year with volunteer support.
Registration Process
Individual walk-ins welcome during distribution hours. Organizations can register as beneficiaries.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Freshly cooked meals daily (9,000+ meals)
- Breakfast and lunch distributions
- Variety of dishes prepared by volunteers
- Packed in containers for takeaway
Typical Menu Items:
- White rice (main staple)
- Protein dishes (chicken curry, braised meat, fish)
- Vegetable dishes (stir-fried vegetables, curry vegetables)
- Egg preparations (hard-boiled, omelette)
- Noodle dishes occasionally
- Soup (clear soup or herbal soup)
- Local favorites (rendang, sambal dishes, sweet and sour)
- Mixed cuisine styles (Chinese, Malay, Indian influences)
- Fruit when available
- Portions designed to be filling and nutritious
Address
Block 3 Upper Boon Keng Road #01-2157, Singapore 380003
Operating Hours
- Kitchen operates: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Meal collection: Various times throughout morning
Contact
6513 4090
12. Food Bank Singapore
Program Review
Singapore’s first food bank established in 2012, rescuing surplus food and redistributing to those in need. Works with over 350 beneficiary organizations.
Registration Process
Individual assistance through partner organizations. Register through their member agencies or apply directly for assistance programs.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Dry goods and non-perishables
- Fresh produce when available
- Emergency food assistance packs
- Distributed through partner organizations
Typical Items Available:
- Rice and grains (white rice, brown rice, oats)
- Pasta and noodles
- Canned proteins (tuna, sardines, chicken, luncheon meat)
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Cooking oil
- Milk powder and UHT milk
- Biscuits, crackers, and snacks
- Instant meals
- Condiments and sauces
- Baby formula and food (when available)
- Fresh vegetables and fruits (seasonal)
- Bread and bakery items (irregular)
Address
4 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1 #02-02, Singapore 417939
Contact
6581 0030 | [email protected]
13. Community Food Rescue Programs
Program Review
Grassroots movements connecting food rescuers with community members through social media platforms. Members share excess food from bakeries, markets, and events.
Registration Process
Join Facebook groups or Telegram channels. No formal registration needed.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Rescued bread from bakeries (artisan and commercial)
- Fresh vegetables from wet markets
- Event surplus food (catered meals, buffet items)
- Irregular but frequent postings throughout the week
Typical Items Shared:
- Freshly baked breads (baguettes, loaves, rolls)
- Pastries and cakes (day-old but fresh)
- Vegetables (leafy greens, root vegetables, herbs)
- Fruits (slightly imperfect but edible)
- Prepared meals from events (sandwiches, rice boxes)
- Packaged snacks nearing expiry
- Beverages
- Cooked food from gatherings (curries, rice, noodles)
- Seasonal produce in bulk
- Baked goods from home bakers
Note: Availability varies daily based on what members rescue. Items are typically claimed first-come-first-served through the platforms.
Platforms
Facebook Groups:
- SG Food Rescue
- Food Rescue Singapore
- Food Rescue Sengkang
- EqoCirqle, SG Barter Trade
Telegram Channels:
- Food Rescue @ Events
- Savour! Community
14. South Central Community Family Service Centre
Program Review
Provides comprehensive social services including food assistance programs for residents in the Queenstown and Bukit Merah areas.
Registration Process
Contact centre for assessment and registration. Priority for residents in service area.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Food vouchers (for use at supermarkets or hawker centres)
- Cooked meals program (hot meals delivered or picked up)
- Food rations for families (monthly provisions)
Typical Items/Vouchers:
- NTUC FairPrice vouchers ($50-$100 value)
- Hawker centre meal vouchers
- Rice and essential groceries
- Canned goods and non-perishables
- Fresh food items (eggs, vegetables)
- Cooking oil and condiments
- Instant noodles and quick meals
- Milk and beverages
- Biscuits and snacks for children
Address
Blk 36A Redhill Close #01-115, Singapore 151036
Contact
6274 3788
15. North West Community Development Council – Food Distribution
Program Review
CDC programs targeting needy families in the North West district with regular food distribution initiatives.
Registration Process
Through Community Development Council or referrals from grassroots organizations and MPs.
Food Offerings
Meal Types:
- Subsidized meal vouchers (for hawker centres and food courts)
- Food basket programs (monthly groceries)
- Partnership with NTUC FairPrice for grocery assistance
- Special festive food distributions
Typical Items:
- Supermarket vouchers ($30-$100)
- Rice (5-10kg bags)
- Cooking essentials (oil, soy sauce, salt)
- Canned goods (meat, fish, vegetables)
- Instant noodles (variety packs)
- Biscuits and snacks
- Condensed milk and beverages
- Festival-specific items (during CNY, Hari Raya, Deepavali)
- Fresh produce vouchers
- Eggs and protein items
Contact
Contact your local Community Centre or CDC office for current programs.
Emergency Food Assistance
ComCare Emergency Financial Assistance
For immediate crisis situations, contact Ministry of Social and Family Development:
ComCare Call 1800-222-0000 (24-hour hotline)
How to Choose the Right Program
For Daily Meals:
- Singapore Buddhist Lodge (7 AM – 7 PM)
- Willing Hearts (breakfast and lunch)
- Religious centres with regular meal times
For Social Dining:
- Reach Community Cafe
- Annalakshmi Restaurant
For Groceries/Food Packs:
- Food from the Heart
- Food Bank Singapore
- Thye Hua Kwan centres
For Immediate Crisis:
- ComCare hotline
- Willing Hearts
- Walk-in centres at Buddhist Lodge or Gurdwaras
Important Reminders
- No Shame in Seeking Help: These organizations exist to support you during difficult times.
- Pay It Forward: If you can afford to donate or contribute, these organizations rely on public generosity.
- Check Current Operations: Due to varying circumstances, always verify operating hours and availability before visiting.
- Bring Identification: Some programs may request ID for registration purposes.
- Respect Guidelines: Follow each organization’s rules regarding collection times, quantities, and eligibility.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Many organizations welcome volunteers if you’d like to give back.
Additional Resources
National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 Social Service Offices: Located island-wide for comprehensive assistance beyond food
For more information about social assistance programs in Singapore, visit www.msf.gov.sg or contact your nearest Social Service Office.