1. Bread Distribution Programs
Kampung Bishan’s “Bread Run”
What They Offer: Surplus bread collected from businesses and redistributed to residents
Food Items: Fresh bread from various bakeries
How It Works: Volunteers collect excess bread and distribute it at fixed collection points. No registration needed – just show up at the designated times.
Collection Points & Times:
- Residents’ Corner, Blk 145 Bishan Street 11: Every Monday & Wednesday, 10:30 PM
- Bishan East Zone 1 RN, Blk 112 Bishan Street 12: Every Tuesday, 10:30 PM
- Bishan East Zone 4 RN, Blk 170 Bishan Street 13: Every Thursday, 10:30 PM
Contact: Check Kampung Bishan’s Facebook page for updates
Review: This is an excellent program for reducing food waste while helping residents save on basic staples. The late evening timing (10:30 PM) makes it convenient for working families. No eligibility criteria means anyone can benefit.
Loaves of Love Bread (Kampong Ubi & Kampong Chai Chee)
What They Offer: Unsold bread from bakeries and hotels since 2012
Food Items: Bread and baked goods
How to Register: Contact the community centers listed below
Contact:
- Kampong Kembangan CC: 6449 6022
- Kampong Ubi CC: 6745 9919
Review: One of the longest-running bread rescue programs in Singapore, showing sustained community commitment. Great for families in the Chai Chee area looking to supplement their grocery budget.
2. Fresh Produce & Comprehensive Food Rescue
Food Rescue Sengkang
What They Offer: Large-scale food rescue collecting 15,000 to 50,000kg weekly
Food Items:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Bread
- Various food items from wholesalers and donors
How It Works: Open to anyone from all walks of life – no criteria needed
Main Location: Thanggam Hub, 40 Fernvale Road, every Saturday
Satellite Locations Across Singapore:
- Sembawang West
- Ang Mo Kio
- Serangoon North
- Marymount
- Tampines
- Yuhua
Contact: 8900 7065 or visit Food Rescue Sengkang’s channels
Review: This is one of the most comprehensive food rescue programs with impressive scale and reach. The multiple satellite points make it accessible across Singapore. Perfect for families wanting to reduce grocery bills while fighting food waste.
Neighbourhood Food Share @ Telok Kurau Park
What They Offer: Partnership between FairPrice Group and People’s Association
Food Items: Nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables
How to Register: On-site registration available
Location: Our Residents’ Hub, 151 Lorong J Telok Kurau
When: Every last Sunday of the month, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Contact:
- Telok Kurau Central RN
- Joo Chiat CC: 6344 1926
Note: Multiple Neighbourhood Food Share locations available across Singapore – check with your local CC
Review: The FairPrice partnership ensures quality produce. Monthly schedule is predictable and the evening timing is family-friendly. Great volunteering opportunities available too.
Love Connect Market (Jalan Besar)
What They Offer: Fresh food plus clothing and children’s items
Food Items:
- Fresh vegetables
- Fresh fruits
- Eggs
- Other food products
Additional Items: Clothes and kids-related products
Target Community: Kampong Glam residents, especially lower-income families
Location: Jalan Besar Community Centre, 69 Jellicoe Road
When: Every Saturday
Contact: Jalan Besar CC at 6298 6110
Review: A holistic program that addresses both nutritional needs and other household essentials. The weekly schedule provides consistent support for families managing tight budgets.
3. Mobile & Community Shop Programs
Hao Ren Hao Shi Mobile Groceries
What They Offer: Mobile truck bringing groceries directly to neighborhoods
Food Items: Food and essential household items – residents choose what they need
Beneficiaries: 1,800 residents monthly
Service Areas:
- Toa Payoh
- Bukit Panjang
- Bukit Batok
- Bukit Merah
- Jurong West
- Aljunied
- Punggol
How to Register: Contact your nearest Residents’ Committee (RC) or Residents’ Network (RN)
Contact: Visit Hao Ren Hao Shi’s channels or check with your local RC/RN
Review: The mobile format brings dignity and choice to food assistance. Being able to select items rather than receiving pre-packed bags reduces waste and ensures people get what they actually need.
Community Shop by Food from the Heart
What They Offer: Mini-mart style free shopping experience
Food Items:
- 12-14 food items per visit
- Local fresh produce
- Non-perishables
- Choice-based selection
Beneficiaries: 59,000 from low-income families
Locations & Hours:
| Location | Address | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Boon Lay | Blk 176 Boon Lay Drive #01-366 | Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Lengkok Bahru | Blk 55 Lengkok Bahru #01-389 | Tue, Thu, Sat: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Mountbatten | Blk 13 Old Airport Road #01-57 | Check with center |
| Punggol | Blk 224A Sumang Lane #01-02 | Check with center |
How to Register: Contact Food from the Heart or the Community Clubs in the above areas to check eligibility
Contact: Visit Food from the Heart website or call local CCs
Review: The shopping experience preserves dignity and reduces food waste. With nearly 60,000 beneficiaries, this is one of Singapore’s major food security programs. The ability to choose items is empowering and practical.
4. Budget Meal Programs
Budget Meals Programme (Punggol Shore)
What They Offer: Budget meal options at every food court and kopitiam
Price: Approximately $3.50 per meal
Food Types:
- Rice dishes
- Noodles
- Snacks
- Various cuisines
Special Feature: Some stalls created special budget menus. Accepts Punggol Shore WeCare vouchers.
Locations: All Punggol Shore food courts and kopitiams, including Koufu at Punggol Plaza
Contact: Punggol 21 CC or email them
Review: This program makes eating out affordable for residents on tight budgets. Having options at every food court means consistent access. The variety of cuisines keeps meals interesting.
Nee Soon Budget Meals
What They Offer: Budget meals under $3.50 at various food stalls
Additional Benefit: $40 Nee Soon Cares vouchers (one-off, registration required)
Beneficiaries: Around 72,000 Nee Soon households eligible for vouchers
Location: Selected market and food stalls at Nee Soon
How to Register: Register for Nee Soon Cares vouchers through your nearest Community Club
Contact: Find your nearest CC in Nee Soon area
Review: The combination of budget meals plus vouchers provides substantial savings. With 72,000 households eligible, this shows significant community reach.
Value Meals @ South West
What They Offer: Ready-to-eat meals from vending machines
Price: $3 or less
Food Items:
- Ready-to-eat rice dishes
- Noodle dishes
- Halal options available
- Sandwiches
- Local favorites
- Menu rotates regularly
Special Feature: 24/7 availability through vending machines
Location: Various locations in South West District (check Google Map for pinned locations)
How to Access:
- Selected beneficiaries receive credits
- Public can also purchase from machines
Contact: South West CDC
Review: The 24/7 vending machine model is innovative and provides flexibility for shift workers or anyone with irregular schedules. The rotating menu prevents monotony.
5. Pay-It-Forward Programs
It’s On Me!
What They Offer: Community-funded meals for those in need
How It Works:
- Diners pay a little extra when buying their own meals
- Each gifted meal/drink is represented by a magnet on a board
- Anyone in need can inform the hawker and take a magnet to redeem
No Criteria: No questions asked – just take a magnet if you need a meal
Locations:
- Redhill Food Centre, 85 Redhill Lane
- Telok Blangah Food Centre, 79 Telok Blangah Drive
Review: This grassroots program builds community solidarity. The magnet system is simple and preserves anonymity and dignity for recipients. The “no criteria” approach removes barriers.
Belanja-a-meal (Sembawang West)
What They Offer: Pre-sponsored meals for anyone in immediate need
How It Works:
- Residents donate to sponsor meals
- Anyone hungry can request a sponsored meal at participating stalls
- Look for Belanja-a-meal placards
How to Donate: Give Asia or at participating hawker stalls
Location: All coffeeshops in Sembawang West
Contact: Woodlands Galaxy CC at 6366 2218 or email
Review: The immediate-need focus addresses hunger urgently. The widespread participation across all Sembawang West coffeeshops creates a strong safety net.
6. Special Discount Programs
Good Lobangs @ Kampong Chai Chee
What They Offer: Special eatery discounts for CHAS cardholders
Beneficiaries: Around 5,000 Kampong Chai Chee residents with CHAS cards
How to Register:
- Visit Kampong Chai Chee CC counter for verification
- Receive a sticker for your CHAS card
- Join Telegram group for monthly deals
Participating Outlets:
- One Two Eat Food Court (CHAS Green, Orange, Blue; Pioneer & Merdeka Generation cards)
- Sushi Express (CHAS Blue card)
- Buddy Hoagies (CHAS Blue card)
- Al Mubin Foodcourt (CHAS Blue card)
- De Tian Coffeeshop (Bedok North outlet)
Contact: Kampong Chai Chee CC at 6241 9878
Review: This leverages existing CHAS cards for food assistance, making it seamless for eligible residents. The Telegram group keeps residents informed of changing deals.
Tampines Central CARES Shopping Programme
What They Offer: Grocery shopping assistance up to $100
Food Items: Groceries and daily necessities at NTUC FairPrice
Special Feature: Volunteers guide residents on budget planning and value-for-money house brand products
Beneficiaries: Served over 60 residents in the past year
Eligibility: Low-income families (invitation-based)
Location: NTUC FairPrice outlets at Tampines
Contact: Tampines Central CC at 6785 0004 or email
Review: Beyond just providing food, this program teaches financial literacy and smart shopping skills. The guided shopping experience builds long-term capability.
Suggestions for Additional Programs
1. Community Meal Prep Workshops
Teach budget cooking skills using rescued food ingredients. Participants learn to prepare nutritious meals affordably and take home cooked portions plus recipes.
2. School Holiday Lunch Programs
Many children rely on subsidized school meals. During holidays, community centers could provide lunch programs to ensure children from low-income families continue to receive nutritious meals.
3. Senior Meal Delivery Service
For homebound elderly or those with mobility issues, a volunteer-based meal delivery program using rescued food could address isolation while providing nutrition.
4. Community Pantry Boxes
Install weatherproof pantry boxes at HDB void decks where neighbors can leave non-perishable items and others can take what they need anonymously, similar to “little free libraries.”
5. Ugly Produce Markets
Partner with farms and suppliers to sell cosmetically imperfect but perfectly good produce at significantly reduced prices. This reduces farm waste while providing affordable fresh food.
6. Community Freezer Program
Install community freezers at selected locations for rescued frozen goods, expanding beyond fresh produce to include proteins and prepared meals.
7. Meal-Sharing Apps
Develop a neighborhood app where home cooks can offer extra portions to neighbors, fostering community connections while reducing food waste.
8. Cultural Food Exchange Programs
Monthly events where different ethnic communities share traditional dishes, promoting cultural understanding while providing free community meals.
9. Zero-Waste Cooking Classes
Teach residents to use food scraps creatively (vegetable peel broths, fruit peel chips, etc.) to maximize value from groceries purchased.
10. Weekend Breakfast Programs
Weekend breakfast programs at community centers for families, ensuring children start the day with nutrition while parents can connect with resources.
General Tips for Accessing Food Assistance
No Shame in Seeking Help: These programs exist to support the community. Using them is responsible resource management, not a sign of failure.
Start Local: Contact your nearest Community Club – they can guide you to programs available in your area.
Bring Reusable Bags: Many programs encourage sustainability, so bring your own bags for collecting food.
Volunteer When You Can: Most programs welcome volunteers. Contributing time when you’re able strengthens the entire system.
Share Information: Know neighbors who might benefit? Share this information with them – community programs work best when everyone knows they exist.
Provide Feedback: If you use these programs, let organizers know what works and what could improve. User feedback helps programs evolve.
Key Contacts for General Enquiries
- ScamShield Helpline: 1799 (if unsure if something is a scam)
- Your Local Community Club: Find your nearest CC online
- Community Development Councils (CDCs): Contact your district CDC for area-specific programs
- People’s Association: Visit pa.gov.sg for comprehensive community program information
Last Updated: January 2026 Information compiled from “Together in the Lorongs” government initiative