Singapore’s food charity landscape includes numerous organizations dedicated to fighting food insecurity and reducing food waste. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or access food assistance, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about major food charities and their programs.
1. Willing Hearts
Overview
Willing Hearts is a secular, non-affiliated charity operating a soup kitchen that serves the community 365 days a year. As one of Singapore’s most established food charities, it operates primarily through volunteer support.
Food Program Details
- Daily Meal Production: 11,000 meals prepared fresh daily
- Distribution Points: Over 70 locations island-wide
- Operating Hours: 365 days a year, no holidays
- Type of Food: Freshly cooked hot meals including rice, vegetables, and protein
Menu Offerings
Willing Hearts prepares nutritious, balanced meals that typically include:
- Steamed rice or noodles
- Cooked vegetables (seasonal)
- Protein (chicken, fish, or eggs)
- Soup or curry dishes
- Vegetarian options available
All meals are prepared with consideration for various dietary needs and cultural preferences.
Volunteer Opportunities
Four Daily Shifts Available:
- Morning Shift: 4:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- Mid-Morning Shift: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Evening Shift: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Volunteer Tasks:
- Chopping vegetables and food preparation
- Cooking and meal assembly
- Packing lunch boxes
- Cleaning and washing up kitchen equipment
- Distribution support
Family-Friendly: No age limit for volunteers. Children are welcome with parental supervision and responsibility, especially those under 16.
Contact & Location
Address: 1 Lor J Telok Kurau, Singapore 425792
Phone: (+65) 6476 5822
Website: www.willinghearts.org.sg
Registration: Visit website to check volunteer slot availability and register online
2. Food from the Heart
Overview
Established in 2003, Food from the Heart is Singapore’s independent non-profit food charity focused on alleviating hunger through efficient food distribution. With over 10,000 volunteers, they reach 59,500 beneficiaries across Singapore.
Food Programs
Regular Food Distribution
- Weekly/Monthly Food Packs: Non-perishable food items distributed to low-income families
- Bread Run Programme: Collection and distribution of surplus bread from hotels and bakeries
- Fresh Food Distribution: Fruits, vegetables, and other perishables when available
Special Programs
- School Goodie Bag Programme: Nutritious snacks and food items for underprivileged students
- Annual Toy Buffet: Food hampers paired with toys during festive seasons
- Festive Food Drives: Special distributions during major holidays
Food Offerings
Food from the Heart typically distributes:
- Staples: Rice, cooking oil, noodles, canned goods
- Proteins: Canned fish, meat, eggs (when available)
- Beverages: Milk powder, Milo, coffee, tea
- Snacks: Biscuits, cereal, nutritious snacks for children
- Fresh Bread: Daily from participating bakeries and hotels
- Condiments: Soy sauce, sugar, salt, basic seasonings
Volunteer Opportunities
Weekend Warehouse Volunteers:
- Sorting food donations
- Packing food items into family-sized portions
- Organizing inventory
- Quality checking donations
Bread Run Volunteers:
- Collecting surplus bread from hotels and bakeries
- Transport and delivery (requires own vehicle)
- Early morning availability needed
Professional Volunteers:
- Administrative support
- Logistics coordination
- Marketing and communications
- Event planning and management
Note for Families: Children cannot volunteer in person at the warehouse but can organize food donation drives or fundraising campaigns.
How to Access Food Assistance
Food from the Heart works with social service agencies and community organizations. If you need food assistance:
- Contact your nearest Family Service Centre
- Speak with a social worker
- Referrals will be made to Food from the Heart if you qualify
Contact & Location
Address: 130 Joo Seng Road, #03-01, Singapore 368357
Website: www.foodfromtheheart.sg
Volunteer Registration: Available online through their website
3. The Food Bank Singapore
Overview
Founded in 2012, The Food Bank Singapore aims to end food insecurity by 2025 through collecting surplus food and delivering it to those in need. They focus on reducing food wastage while helping vulnerable communities.
Food Collection & Distribution
Sources of Food:
- Farms and agricultural suppliers
- Food distributors and wholesalers
- Retail stores and supermarkets
- Restaurants and F&B establishments
- Corporate donors
Types of Food Distributed:
- Fresh produce (fruits and vegetables)
- Frozen items (meat, seafood)
- Dry goods (rice, pasta, canned foods)
- Dairy products
- Bakery items
- Packaged snacks and beverages
Programs
Food Hamper Program
Regular distribution of food hampers containing:
- 5-7 days worth of nutritious food
- Mix of fresh, frozen, and dry goods
- Culturally appropriate items
- Dietary consideration options (halal, vegetarian)
Junior Foodbankers Program
Special quarterly program for children during school holidays:
- Warehouse visits and tours
- Hands-on packing activities
- Educational sessions about food waste
- Community excursions
- Team-building activities
Volunteer Opportunities
Warehouse Volunteers:
- Days: Monday to Saturday
- Shifts: Two time slots available daily
- Activities:
- Taking stock and inventory
- Sorting food donations
- Packing food hampers
- Quality control checks
- Warehouse organization
Delivery Drivers:
- Must have own vehicle
- Flexible scheduling
- Transport food to beneficiary organizations
Skilled Volunteers:
- Marketing and social media management
- Administrative support
- Event coordination and planning
- Photography and videography
Junior Foodbankers (for children):
- Quarterly sessions during school holidays
- Age-appropriate tasks
- Educational and fun activities
- Sign up for newsletter for updates
Food Donation
Food Bank Boxes: Collection points island-wide where public can donate non-perishable items
Accepted Items:
- Unopened, unexpired food products
- Minimum 3 months before expiry
- Non-perishable items preferred
- Rice, canned goods, biscuits, instant noodles
Contact & Location
Address: 218 Pandan Loop, XPACE, Singapore 128408
Phone: (+65) 9855 4805
Website: www.foodbank.sg
Registration: Online volunteer registration available; sign up for newsletter for Junior Foodbankers updates
4. Free Food for All (FFFA)
Overview
A registered charity providing halal meals to those in need while minimizing food waste. Started in 2014 at Darul Aman Mosque, FFFA has expanded services across multiple communities in Singapore.
Food Distribution Programs
Community Meal Distribution
- Frequency: Multiple times weekly at various locations
- Meal Type: Hot, freshly prepared halal meals
- Format: Ready-to-eat packed meals
- Accessibility: No registration required at distribution points
Types of Food Served
All food is:
- 100% Halal-certified
- Freshly prepared hot meals
- Nutritionally balanced with rice/noodles, vegetables, and protein
- Suitable for immediate consumption
Typical meal components:
- Steamed rice or noodles
- Curry or cooked vegetables
- Chicken, fish, or beef protein
- Gravy or soup base
Programs Addressing Food Insecurity
FFFA runs several initiatives:
- Regular meal distribution at mosques
- Community outreach programs
- Food rescue operations
- Surplus food redistribution
- Partnership programs with F&B establishments
Volunteer Opportunities
FFFA is expanding and seeking volunteers for:
Direct Service:
- Meal preparation and packing
- Food distribution at community points
- Logistics and transport support
Professional Skills:
- Photography and videography
- Social media management
- Marketing and communications
- Event planning
- Administrative support
Family Participation: Children can volunteer with parental consent (consent form required)
Registration Process
- Visit FFFA website
- Complete volunteer registration form
- Indicate areas of interest and availability
- Attend volunteer orientation (if required)
- Sign parental consent form (for minors)
Contact & Location
Address: 60 Kaki Bukit Place, Eunos Techpark #05-07, Singapore 415979
Phone: (+65) 6530 3424
Website: www.freefood.org.sg
Registration: Online volunteer form available on website
5. Meals on Wheels (MOW)
Overview
Operated by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Meals on Wheels provides meal delivery services to homebound individuals who cannot buy or prepare their own food and lack caregiver support.
Service Details
Eligibility
For individuals who are:
- Homebound and unable to leave residence
- Cannot prepare their own meals
- Do not have caregivers to assist with meal preparation
- Require special dietary considerations
Meal Specifications
- Prepared with medical considerations: Diabetic-friendly, low-sodium, soft diet options
- Culturally appropriate: Chinese, Malay, Indian cuisine options
- Nutritionally balanced: Developed with dietary guidelines
- Delivered hot: Ready to eat upon arrival
Volunteer Opportunities
Meal Runner (with Vehicle)
- Collect prepared meals from central kitchens
- Deliver to homebound beneficiaries
- Flexible scheduling
- Own vehicle required
- Mileage claims available
Meal Runner (Public Transport)
- Deliver meals via public transport
- Available for selected locations
- Shorter delivery routes
- No vehicle required
Family Volunteering: Children can join as long as an accompanying adult is present throughout the volunteering period.
Registration & Application
For Volunteers:
- Visit AIC website volunteer portal
- Complete registration form
- Select preferred zone/location
- Attend brief orientation
- Commit to regular delivery schedule (preferred)
For Beneficiaries: To access meal delivery services:
- Contact AIC hotline
- Assessment will be conducted
- Eligibility determination
- Meal preferences noted
- Delivery schedule arranged
Contact Information
Organization: Agency for Integrated Care (AIC Singapore)
Website: www.aic.sg
Registration: Available through AIC volunteer portal
6. The Boys’ Brigade Share-a-Gift (BBSG)
Overview
An annual food hamper program held during the Christmas season by The Boys’ Brigade, a uniformed youth organization. BBSG provides opportunities for families to donate and interact directly with beneficiaries.
Program Details
Timeline
- Collection Period: November 23 – December 31 annually
- Distribution: During Christmas season
- Impact: Benefits underprivileged families across Singapore
Food Hampers Include
Typical hamper contents:
- Staples: Rice (5-10kg bags), cooking oil, sugar
- Canned goods: Vegetables, fruits, fish, meat
- Beverages: Milk powder, Milo, coffee, tea
- Instant foods: Noodles, cereal, oats
- Condiments: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, seasonings
- Festive treats: Biscuits, snacks, special seasonal items
How to Donate
In-Person at AXS Stations
- Visit any AXS station at FairPrice outlets
- Select BBSG donation option
- Choose donation amount or item equivalent
- Complete transaction
- Receive acknowledgment receipt
Online Donation
- Visit The Boys’ Brigade website
- Select Share-a-Gift program
- Choose donation amount
- Complete secure payment
- Option to include message for beneficiaries
Food Items Donation
- Purchase items from provided list
- Drop off at designated collection points
- Ensure items are unopened and unexpired
- Minimum 6 months before expiry date
Volunteer Opportunities
- Food hamper packing events
- Distribution assistance
- Face-to-face beneficiary interaction
- Family-friendly activities
- Youth-led service projects
Family Participation: Yes! BBSG actively encourages family participation and intergenerational volunteering.
Contact Information
Organization: The Boys’ Brigade Singapore
Website: www.bb.org.sg
Donation Period: November 23 – December 31 (annual)
How to Access Food Assistance in Singapore
General Process
Step 1: Assessment
Contact your nearest:
- Family Service Centre (FSC)
- Social Service Office (SSO)
- Community Development Council (CDC)
- Member of Parliament’s office during Meet-the-People sessions
Step 2: Social Worker Evaluation
A social worker will:
- Assess your financial situation
- Understand your household needs
- Evaluate eligibility for various programs
- Provide appropriate referrals
Step 3: Referral to Food Charities
Based on assessment, you may be referred to:
- Food from the Heart (for regular food packs)
- The Food Bank Singapore (for food hampers)
- Willing Hearts (for daily hot meals)
- Meals on Wheels (if homebound)
- Community-specific programs
Step 4: Registration
- Complete required forms
- Provide necessary documentation (NRIC, proof of address)
- Indicate dietary requirements or preferences
- Set up collection/delivery schedule
Walk-In Food Distribution
Some organizations offer walk-in services:
- Free Food for All: Distribution at mosques and community centers
- Willing Hearts: Meal collection at distribution points
- Community Food Banks: Available at selected locations
Tips for Donating Food
Most Needed Items
- Staples: Rice, cooking oil, flour
- Proteins: Canned fish, luncheon meat, eggs
- Beverages: Milk powder, Milo, coffee
- Instant Meals: Noodles, ready-to-eat items
- Baby Food: Formula, baby cereal, snacks
- Nutritious Snacks: Biscuits, cereal bars, nuts
Donation Guidelines
- Expiry Date: Minimum 3-6 months before expiration
- Condition: Unopened, undamaged packaging
- Labels: Original labels intact and readable
- Storage: Non-perishable items preferred
- Cultural Sensitivity: Consider halal, vegetarian options
What NOT to Donate
- Expired or near-expiry food
- Opened packages
- Homemade food items
- Alcohol
- Food requiring special storage without arrangements
- Damaged or unlabeled items
Corporate & Community Food Drives
Many organizations accept group donations:
Food from the Heart
- School food drives
- Corporate donation campaigns
- Community collection drives
- Online fundraising platforms
The Food Bank Singapore
- Food bank boxes at corporate locations
- CSR partnership programs
- Community collection initiatives
Free Food for All
- Bulk food donations
- Corporate volunteer days
- Community outreach partnerships
Making an Impact
Individual Contributions
- Monthly Giving: Set up recurring donations
- Food Drives: Organize at your workplace or school
- Volunteer Regularly: Commit to weekly or monthly shifts
- Spread Awareness: Share information on social media
Corporate Involvement
- Food Donation Programs: Regular contributions from pantries
- Employee Volunteering: Team building through service
- Matching Gifts: Match employee donations
- Surplus Food Partnerships: Donate excess from events/cafeterias
Community Groups
- Neighborhood Drives: Organize block collections
- School Projects: Student-led food campaigns
- Religious Organizations: Congregation-wide initiatives
- Club Activities: Service projects for community groups
Conclusion
Singapore’s food charity ecosystem provides multiple touchpoints for both those seeking assistance and those wishing to contribute. Whether you’re looking to volunteer time, donate resources, or access food support, these organizations offer structured programs with clear registration processes and meaningful impact opportunities.
The diversity of programs ensures that help is available in various forms—from hot daily meals to monthly food hampers, from general provisions to specialized dietary needs. By supporting these organizations, you contribute to Singapore’s vision of a society where no one goes hungry.
Remember: Food insecurity can affect anyone. These programs exist to provide dignified support during difficult times, and they operate thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors across Singapore.