Food Assistance Programs in Singapore

by | Dec 6, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

1. Willing Hearts

Overview

Singapore’s largest soup kitchen charity operating 365 days a year since 2003. Prepares approximately 11,000 fresh meals daily for distribution to over 70 locations islandwide.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1 Lorong J Telok Kurau, Singapore 425792 (entrance via Joo Chiat Place)
  • Phone: +65 6476 5822 / 1800 222 0000
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: www.willinghearts.org.sg
  • Operating Hours: Daily 5am – 5pm

Registration & Eligibility

  • Serves the needy, elderly, disabled, migrant workers, and low-income families
  • Individuals need referral through social service agencies
  • No means testing required for meal collection at distribution points
  • Organizations can apply to become distribution partners

Menu & Food Offered

Daily Hot Meals:

  • Heart-shaped chicken nuggets
  • Stir-fried assorted vegetables
  • Tofu with pickled vegetables
  • White rice with curry gravy
  • Mixed vegetables
  • Chicken frankfurters
  • Fish curry
  • Braised chicken
  • Clear soup

Food Style: Hot, freshly prepared Asian meals with rice and 2-3 dishes including protein, vegetables, and curry or sauce

How to Get Food

  • Visit distribution points daily
  • Meals delivered to welfare organizations, nursing homes, and community centers
  • Volunteer opportunities available for packing and distribution

2. Food from the Heart

Overview

Independent IPC-status food charity established in 2003. Serves 64,000 beneficiaries with over 10,000 volunteers across five distribution programs.

Contact Information

Registration & Eligibility

  • Targets lower-income families and seniors
  • Apply through community partners, family service centres, or grassroots organizations
  • Available to welfare organizations and self-collection centres

Programs & Food Offered

1. Community Food Pack Programme

  • Monthly distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Eggs and bread from Bread Run
  • Non-perishable food items (rice, cooking oil, canned goods, instant noodles)
  • Almost 95,000 food packs distributed in 2024

2. Bread Run Programme

  • Collection and distribution of surplus bread from hotels and bakeries
  • Fresh bread distributed daily

3. School Goodie Bag Programme

  • Nutritious snacks and food items for underprivileged students

4. Market Place

  • Food distribution program for specific communities

5. Annual Toy Buffet

  • Food hampers paired with toys during festive seasons

How to Get Food

  • Monthly distribution at Self-Collection Centres islandwide
  • Fixed distribution day each month
  • Community organizations can partner to distribute to their beneficiaries

3. The Food Bank Singapore

Overview

Founded in 2012, aims to end food insecurity through collecting surplus food and delivering it to those in need. Operates multiple innovative programs.

Contact Information

Registration & Eligibility

  • Serves low-income families and individuals facing food insecurity
  • Registration through social service agencies and partner organizations
  • Online volunteer registration available
  • Junior Foodbankers program for children

Programs & Food Offered

1. Food Support Program

  • Monthly food rations with essential supplies
  • Non-perishable items: rice, noodles, canned goods, biscuits, cooking oil

2. Food Pantry 2.0

  • 24/7 emergency food aid via automated vending machines
  • Beneficiaries receive bank cards loaded with credits
  • Select food items at convenience
  • Multiple vending machine locations islandwide

3. Bank Card Programme (Relaunching in 2026)

  • Stored-value food bank credit card
  • Redeem meals at partner F&B establishments
  • Currently on pause, will resume in 2026

4. Food Bank Boxes

  • 14 bank boxes located at supermarkets and malls islandwide
  • Accept donations from public (minimum 4 weeks shelf life)

How to Get Food

  • Apply through social service agencies
  • Access Food Pantry 2.0 vending machines 24/7 with issued card
  • Contact directly for food support assessment

4. Free Food For All (FFFA)

Overview

IPC-registered halal food charity founded in 2014. Has served over 144,000 beneficiaries with 500,000+ meals since 2015.

Contact Information

Registration & Eligibility

  • Serves homeless individuals, those in interim housing, low-income families
  • Focus on elderly, disabled, and financially distressed
  • Halal-certified meals for Muslim community

Programs & Food Offered

1. Free Food For All Program

  • Multiple weekly distributions at various locations
  • Halal meals including nasi lemak, otah-otah, and other traditional dishes

2. Kids Luv It

  • Children’s breakfast program
  • Nutritious meals for underprivileged students

3. Ready-to-Eat Meals

  • Meal pouches for take-away
  • Convenient pre-packaged meals

4. Community Fridge Initiative

  • 24/7 self-service food access points
  • Multiple locations across Singapore
  • Stocked with rescued food and donated items

5. Meals for Elderly

  • Age-appropriate nutrition programs
  • Regular meal distribution

6. Hydroponics Program

  • Sustainable food production initiative
  • Fresh vegetables grown locally

How to Get Food

  • Visit multiple distribution locations weekly
  • Access community fridges 24/7
  • Apply through welfare officers or social agencies

5. Singapore Red Cross – Meals with Love Programme

Overview

Provides interim food assistance through grocery vouchers while families work with social workers on long-term care plans. Supports approximately 200 families annually.

Contact Information

Registration & Eligibility

  • Referred by social workers or family service centres
  • Families must have financial action plan
  • Six-month support period
  • For families facing temporary financial difficulties

Food Assistance

  • Grocery Vouchers: 6-month supply
  • Usage: Purchase nutritious food and groceries at supermarkets
  • Items Covered: Chicken, beef, vegetables, rice, milk, fresh foods

How to Apply

  • Referral through social service agencies required
  • Application reviewed with financial action plan
  • Social worker support mandatory

6. Singapore Buddhist Lodge

Overview

Established organization serving thousands of free vegetarian meals daily. Operates year-round with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.

Contact Information

  • Main Location: 17-19 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239329
  • Phone: +65 6737 2630
  • Operating Hours: Daily 7am-7pm

Registration & Eligibility

  • Open to everyone – no questions asked
  • Welcomes homeless individuals and foreign workers
  • No registration or documentation required
  • Completely free with dignity

Menu & Food Offered

Daily Vegetarian Meals:

  • Steamed white rice
  • Multiple stir-fried seasonal vegetables (cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, green beans)
  • Vegetarian soup with tofu, mushrooms, and leafy greens
  • Mock meat preparations
  • Braised tofu with soy sauce
  • Tempeh curry
  • Fried bee hoon with vegetables
  • Vegetarian mee goreng

Meal Times:

  • Breakfast: 7am-9am
  • Lunch: 11am-2pm
  • Dinner: 5pm-7pm

How to Get Food

  • Walk in during meal times
  • No documentation or registration required
  • Donation welcomed but not required

7. Central Sikh Gurdwara (Langar Service)

Overview

Traditional Sikh community kitchen providing free vegetarian meals daily. Embodies the principle of seva (selfless service).

Contact Information

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

Registration & Eligibility

  • Open to all regardless of race, religion, or economic status
  • No registration required
  • Everyone sits together in community dining

Menu & Food Offered

Traditional Sikh Vegetarian Meals:

  • Chapati (flatbread)
  • Dal (lentil curry)
  • Vegetable curry
  • White rice
  • Seasonal vegetable preparations
  • Sweet desserts during festivals

Special Features:

  • Enhanced meals during Sikh festivals
  • Culturally significant community dining experience

How to Get Food

  • Visit during langar times
  • Cover head and remove shoes before entering
  • Sit on floor with community
  • Meals served continuously

Additional Location:

  • Silat Road Gurdwara: 8 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 169543
  • Lunch: 11:30am-2pm
  • Dinner: 6:30pm-9pm
  • Availability: Every day

8. Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society (THKMS)

Overview

Operating since 1978 with four Free Meal Centres serving over 55,000 vegetarian meals annually. Volunteer-driven and donation-funded.

Contact Information

  • Main Office: 1 North Bridge Road, High Street Centre #03-33, Singapore 179094
  • Phone: +65 6337 1201
  • Operating Hours: Mon-Thu: 9am-6pm, Fri: 9am-5:30pm, Closed weekends
  • Website: www.thkms.org.sg

Registration & Eligibility

  • Serves underprivileged individuals in Singapore heartlands
  • No strict eligibility criteria
  • Inclusive and welcoming environment

Programs & Food Offered

Free Meal Centres (4 Locations)

  • Mixed vegetable rice with 2-3 stir-fried seasonal vegetables
  • Vegetarian soup with tofu, mushrooms, and leafy greens
  • Mock meat preparations
  • Braised tofu
  • Fried bee hoon with vegetables
  • Vegetarian mee goreng

Meals on Wheels Program

  • Hot, nutritionally balanced meals delivered to homes
  • Targets homebound elderly and disabled individuals
  • Islandwide coverage

How to Get Food

  • Visit any of the four Free Meal Centres
  • Contact for Meals on Wheels eligibility
  • Walk-in service available during operating hours

9. NTUC FairPrice Foundation – Food Voucher Scheme

Overview

Annual program operating since 2002. Distributes grocery vouchers to needy families through grassroots organizations. $1.2 million allocated in recent years to help 20,000+ families.

Contact Information

Registration & Eligibility

  • Low-income families identified by grassroots volunteers
  • Single-parent families
  • Breadwinners currently unemployed
  • Elderly residents living alone
  • Distributed through Grassroots Advisers

Voucher Details

  • FairPrice grocery vouchers
  • Use at all NTUC FairPrice stores
  • Can purchase daily essentials and groceries
  • Cannot be exchanged for cash

How to Apply

  • Contact your local grassroots organization
  • Community Centre or Citizens’ Consultative Committee
  • Grassroots advisers assess eligibility
  • Annual distribution typically in August-September

Additional FairPrice Support

CDC Voucher Scheme Participation

  • $500 CDC vouchers per household
  • $250 for supermarkets (including FairPrice)
  • Valid through December 2025
  • Access via go.gov.sg/cdcv

10. Krishna’s Free Meals (Food For Life)

Overview

Operating since 2003 by Sri Krishna Mandir’s Welfare Society. Provides vegetarian meals based on Hare Krishna principles.

Contact Information

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

Registration & Eligibility

  • Open to all underprivileged individuals
  • No registration required
  • Walk-in service
  • Focus on inclusivity and dignity

Menu & Food Offered

Vegetarian Indian Meals:

  • Rice preparations
  • Dal (lentils)
  • Vegetable curries
  • Chapati
  • Traditional Indian sweets
  • Prasadam (sanctified food)

Distribution Locations:

  • Main centre at Veerasamy Road
  • Multiple outreach locations

How to Get Food

  • Visit during meal times
  • No documentation required
  • Take-away available
  • Plans for expanded dining hall in future

11. Lions Home For The Elders

Overview

Houses aged and destitute seniors, providing quality care. Accepts groceries and household item donations to ease operational costs.

Contact Information

Registration & Eligibility

  • Primarily for elderly residents of the home
  • Some community outreach programs
  • Contact directly for food assistance availability

Items Needed

  • Red dates
  • Evaporated milk
  • Groceries with long shelf life
  • Household items

12. Ronald McDonald House Charity at NUH

Overview

Provides “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children at National University Hospital.

Contact Information

  • Address: 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, National University Hospital Main Building Level 4, Singapore 119074
  • Phone: +65 6778 1934
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Website: www.rmhc.org.sg

Support Provided

  • Accommodation for families
  • Meal support for parents and young patients
  • Food donations accepted: groceries, snacks, beverages
  • Household products and toys also needed

How to Support/Access

  • Families of pediatric patients at NUH
  • Referral through hospital social services
  • Donation drop-off during operating hours

13. Heart to Heart Service

Overview

Humanitarian assistance program continuing the legacy of ‘Mother Teresa’ Hsu, focusing on supporting the less fortunate.

Contact Information

Registration & Eligibility

  • Low-income families and individuals
  • Contact directly for assessment
  • May require referral from social services

Food Assistance

  • Food donations accepted
  • Packaged food items
  • Non-perishable goods
  • Rice, noodles, canned goods

14. Community Fridges Network

Overview

Network of 40+ community fridges across Singapore providing 24/7 access to rescued and donated food. Coordinated by Fridge Restock Community (FRC) and various neighborhood initiatives.

Key Coordinators

Fridge Restock Community SG

  • Conducts 2-3 rescue missions weekly
  • Distributes 9,000kg+ rescued food monthly
  • 40 community fridges and distribution points
  • Contact: Check Facebook page for updates

FairPrice Food Share

  • 60 distribution points islandwide
  • Weekly restocking of rescued fruits and vegetables
  • 25,000+ beneficiaries served
  • Eligibility: Seniors and low-income families

How to Access

  • Locations across Singapore neighborhoods
  • First-come, first-served basis
  • No registration required at most locations
  • Check Green Guide or Fridge Restock SG for nearest location

Food Available

  • Fresh produce (rescued from supermarkets)
  • Packaged foods nearing expiry
  • Baked goods
  • Donated non-perishable items
  • Varies by location and day

15. Anna Lakshmi Restaurant

Overview

Unique pay-as-you-wish vegetarian Indian buffet. Volunteer-run operation where diners contribute what they can afford, including nothing.

Contact Information

  • Address: Various locations (check website/social media)
  • Operating Model: Pay-as-you-wish
  • Type: Vegetarian Indian buffet

How It Works

  • Walk in during operating hours
  • Enjoy extensive vegetarian buffet
  • Pay whatever you can afford
  • Zero payment accepted without judgment
  • Based on goodwill and community support

Menu

  • Extensive vegetarian Indian dishes
  • Rice preparations
  • Various curries
  • Breads (chapati, poori)
  • Desserts
  • Changes based on donations

16. Salvation Army Singapore

Overview

Christian charity serving the underprivileged since 1935. Provides various social services including food assistance programs.

Contact Information

Services

  • Food pantry programs at various centers
  • Emergency food assistance
  • Community meal programs
  • Food distribution through family service centres

How to Access

  • Contact local Salvation Army center
  • Referral through social services
  • Walk-in assistance at select locations
  • Various programs for different demographics

17. Mobile Soup Kitchen Singapore

Overview

Volunteer-run soup kitchen serving migrant workers and those in need. Has distributed over 1,000,000 meals.

Contact Information

  • Check social media for latest distribution schedules
  • Operating locations vary

Services

  • Breakfast and lunch distribution
  • Hot prepared meals
  • Focus on migrant worker community
  • Weekend distributions common

Menu

  • Rice with protein and vegetables
  • Asian-style prepared meals
  • Beverages
  • Fresh fruit when available

18. Government FoodConnect Directory

Overview

Official consolidated directory of food support organizations maintained by Singapore government.

Access

  • Website: foodconnect.gov.sg/directory
  • Searchable database of all food assistance programs
  • Direct contact information for all organizations
  • Updated regularly

How to Use

  1. Visit FoodConnect Directory website
  2. Search by location or type of assistance
  3. Contact organizations directly
  4. Food support not guaranteed – assessed individually

Important Notes for All Programs

General Eligibility

  • Most programs serve low-income individuals and families
  • Many require referral from social service agencies
  • Some programs are walk-in with no documentation
  • Religious organizations generally open to all faiths

Registration Tips

  • Contact Family Service Centres for referrals: www.msf.gov.sg
  • Bring identification documents when available
  • Be prepared to explain your situation
  • Social workers can help with multiple program applications

Food Safety

  • Only donate items fit for consumption
  • Check expiry dates before accepting food
  • Non-perishable donations should have 3-4 weeks minimum shelf life
  • Report any food safety concerns to organizations

Volunteering Opportunities

All programs welcome volunteers for:

  • Meal preparation
  • Food packing and sorting
  • Distribution and delivery
  • Administrative support
  • Fundraising activities

Dignity & Respect

  • All programs operate with respect for beneficiaries
  • No discrimination based on race, religion, or nationality
  • Many programs designed to preserve dignity
  • Help provided without judgment

Emergency Food Assistance

Immediate Help

  1. Call ComCare Hotline: 1800-222-0000
  2. Visit nearest Social Service Office
  3. Contact Family Service Centre in your area
  4. Visit 24/7 Community Fridges for immediate access
  5. Food Pantry 2.0 vending machines with emergency access

After-Hours Support

  • Community fridges operate 24/7
  • Buddhist Lodge and Sikh temples have extended hours
  • Salvation Army emergency services
  • Hospital social services for medical situations

Making Donations

Food Donations

  • Non-perishable items: minimum 3-4 weeks shelf life
  • Unopened and sealed packages only
  • Check organization websites for needed items
  • Avoid expired or damaged goods

Financial Donations

  • All organizations accept monetary donations
  • Many have IPC (Institution of Public Character) status
  • Tax deductions available (2.5x donation value)
  • Monthly giving programs available
  • Corporate matching opportunities

Volunteer Time

  • Single-day volunteering available
  • Regular volunteer programs
  • Family-friendly opportunities
  • Corporate team-building activities
  • Skills-based volunteering (logistics, IT, communications)

Getting Help – Step by Step

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

  • Immediate emergency or ongoing assistance?
  • Dietary requirements (halal, vegetarian, etc.)
  • Transportation accessibility
  • Frequency of assistance needed

Step 2: Choose Appropriate Program

  • Walk-in services for immediate need
  • Registration programs for ongoing support
  • Multiple programs can be accessed simultaneously

Step 3: Gather Documentation

  • NRIC or identification
  • Proof of address if required
  • Income documentation if applicable
  • Referral letter from social worker if available

Step 4: Apply or Visit

  • Contact organization directly
  • Visit during operating hours
  • Be honest about your situation
  • Ask questions about programs

Step 5: Follow Up

  • Keep appointments
  • Update organizations on changes
  • Maintain contact with social workers
  • Express gratitude – improves community support

Additional Resources

Government Support

  • Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)
  • People’s Association
    • Community Centers and Clubs
    • Grassroots Organizations
    • Website: www.pa.gov.sg

Finding More Help

  • Social Service Offices: Comprehensive assistance
  • Family Service Centres: Over 50 locations islandwide
  • Voluntary Welfare Organizations: Specialized support
  • Religious Organizations: Faith-based assistance

Last Updated: December 2024

For the most current information, contact organizations directly or visit FoodConnect Directory at foodconnect.gov.sg