A comprehensive review of charitable organizations providing free or subsidized meals to those in need across Singapore.
1. Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society (THKMS)
Overview: Operating since 1978, THKMS runs four Free Meal Centres serving over 55,000 vegetarian-friendly meals annually. They also provide a Meals on Wheels programme for homebound individuals.
Food Offered:
- Vegetarian-friendly meals
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options
- Nutritious, wholesome food
Food Type: Vegetarian, Asian cuisine
How to Register: Walk-in service, no registration required. No questions asked about personal circumstances.
Contact Details:
- Address: 1 North Bridge Road, High Street Centre, #03-33, Singapore 179094
- Phone: +65 6337 1201
- Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-5:30pm (Closed weekends)
- Website: THKMS Official Site
- Facebook: Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society
- Instagram: @thkms_sg
Review: Highly accessible with no barriers to entry. The vegetarian menu ensures dietary inclusivity. Volunteers are welcoming and the atmosphere is judgment-free. Four locations across Singapore make it convenient for many residents.
2. Central Sikh Gurdwara Board
Overview: The Central Sikh Temple offers free vegetarian lunches daily through the traditional Sikh practice of “langar” (community kitchen), serving thousands annually.
Food Offered:
- Free vegetarian lunch daily
- Traditional Sikh langar meals
- Simple, wholesome Indian vegetarian food
Food Type: Vegetarian, North Indian cuisine
How to Register: No registration needed. Open to everyone regardless of religion, race, or background. Simply visit during meal times.
Contact Details:
- Address: 2 Towner Road, Central Sikh Gurdwara, Singapore 327804
- Phone: +65 6299 3855
- Hours: Daily 6am-8pm (Lunch typically served 11:30am-2pm)
- Website: Central Sikh Temple
- Facebook: Central Sikh Gurdwara Singapore
Review: One of the most welcoming food assistance programs in Singapore. The langar tradition embodies true community spirit. Meals are filling and flavorful. Visitors of all backgrounds are treated with equal respect. Donations are welcome but never required.
3. Singapore Buddhist Lodge
Overview: One of the most comprehensive programs, serving thousands of free vegetarian meals yearly covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No questions asked policy ensures dignity for all visitors.
Food Offered:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Vegetarian meals
- Rice, vegetables, soup, and side dishes
Food Type: Vegetarian, Chinese-style cuisine
How to Register: Walk-in service, no registration or identification required. Open to homeless individuals, foreign workers, and anyone in need.
Contact Details:
- Address: 17-19 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239329
- Phone: +65 6737 2630
- Hours: Daily 7am-7pm
- Multiple locations across Singapore
- Website: Singapore Buddhist Lodge
- Facebook: Singapore Buddhist Lodge
Review: Excellent coverage with three meals daily. The no-questions-asked approach preserves dignity. Clean facilities and volunteer-friendly atmosphere. One of the most reliable options for consistent meal access. Donations accepted but never pressured.
4. Krsna’s Free Meals
Overview: Volunteer-run soup kitchen that has distributed over 1 million meals to migrant workers and those in need. Focuses on home-cooked style nutritious food.
Food Offered:
- Breakfast and lunch
- Home-cooked style meals
- Nutritious, hearty portions
Food Type: Vegetarian, Indian-style cuisine
How to Register: No registration required. Meals distributed at various locations near migrant worker dormitories. Check their social media for daily distribution locations.
Contact Details:
- Address: 20 Veerasamy Road, Singapore 207327
- Phone: +65 9105 6343
- Hours: Daily 6:30am-9am & 11am-2:30pm
- Website: Krsna’s Free Meals
- Facebook: Krsna’s Free Meals
- Instagram: @krsnas_free_meals
Review: Outstanding service particularly for migrant worker communities. The mobile distribution model brings food to those who need it most. Warm, compassionate volunteers. Meals are generous and made with care. Highly recommended for workers in industrial areas.
5. Free Food for All (FFFA)
Overview: IPC-registered charity that has served over 500,000 halal meals since 2015. Offers community fridges, meal pouches, and kids’ breakfast programmes.
Food Offered:
- Halal meals
- Ready-to-eat meal pouches
- Kids’ breakfast programmes
- Community fridge access
Food Type: Halal, multicultural cuisine
How to Register: Some programmes require registration for regular beneficiaries. Community fridges are accessible to all. Contact them for specific programme requirements.
Contact Details:
- Address: 60 Kaki Bukit Place, Eunos Techpark, #05-07, Singapore 415979
- Phone: +65 6530 3661
- Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm (Closed weekends)
- Website: Free Food for All
- Facebook: Free Food For All
- Instagram: @freefoodforall.sg
Review: Innovative approach with community fridges offering 24/7 access. Halal certification makes it inclusive for Muslim communities. Strong focus on families and children. Well-organized with good hygiene standards. Partnerships with RedMart ensure quality surplus food.
6. Sri Krishna Mandir – Food For Life Programme
Overview: Running since 2003, this Hare Krishna initiative serves thousands of vegetarian meals annually. Plans for expansion include a larger dining hall.
Food Offered:
- Vegetarian meals
- Nutritious, spiritually-prepared food
- Regular meal distribution
Food Type: Vegetarian, Indian cuisine
How to Register: Walk-in service, open to all. No registration required.
Contact Details:
- Address: No. 9 Lorong 29 Geylang, #03-02, Singapore 388065
- Phone: +65 6250 2280
- Facebook: Sri Krishna Mandir Welfare Society
Review: Warm community atmosphere rooted in spiritual principles. Meals are prepared with care and devotion. Volunteers are friendly and welcoming. Good option in the Geylang area. Growing programme with promising expansion plans.
7. Anna Lakshmi Restaurant
Overview: Unique pay-as-you-wish model where diners pay what they can afford (including nothing). Famous for delicious vegetarian Indian buffet.
Food Offered:
- Vegetarian Indian buffet
- Multiple curry dishes, rice, breads, desserts
- Full restaurant-quality meals
Food Type: Vegetarian, South Indian cuisine
How to Register: No registration. Simply walk in, enjoy the buffet, and pay what you wish (or can afford) upon leaving.
Contact Details:
- Multiple locations in Singapore
- Check website for nearest location and hours
- Website: Annalakshmi Singapore
- Facebook: Annalakshmi Singapore
- Instagram: @annalakshmisingapore
Review: Exceptional food quality – restaurant-grade buffet. The pay-as-you-wish model is dignified and pressure-free. Popular with everyone, not just those in need. Cultural experience combined with excellent food. Can get crowded during peak hours. One of the best tasting options on this list.
8. Food from the Heart
Overview: IPC-status food bank founded in 2003 by Henry and Christine Laimer. Serves nearly 64,000 beneficiaries yearly through systematic redistribution programmes.
Food Offered:
- Bread and bakery items (Bread Run programme)
- Dry goods and groceries
- School Goodie Bags for children
- Surplus food from partners
Food Type: Various – bread, groceries, mixed items
How to Register: NOT a walk-in centre. Registration required through social service agencies, schools, or community partners. Contact them or work with a Family Service Centre to register.
Contact Details:
- Address: 130 Joo Seng Road #03-01, Singapore 368357
- Phone: +65 6280 4483
- Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
- Website: Food from the Heart
- Facebook: Food from the Heart Singapore
- Instagram: @foodfromtheheart
Review: Well-organized systematic approach. Excellent for families needing regular food support. Not suitable for immediate walk-in assistance. Strong focus on children through school programmes. Good partnerships ensure quality food. Registration process may take time but provides consistent support.
9. SG Food Rescue
Overview: Community-driven initiative redistributing thousands of surplus meals from events, bakeries, and restaurants. Prevents food waste while helping those in need.
Food Offered:
- Surplus meals from events
- Bakery items
- Restaurant surplus
- Fresh food requiring quick pickup
Food Type: Various – depends on daily availability
How to Register: Join their Facebook or Telegram groups to receive alerts about available food. First-come-first-served basis. Must be able to pick up quickly.
Contact Details:
- Website: SG Food Rescue
- Facebook: SG Food Rescue
- Instagram: @sgfoodrescue
- Join their social media groups for alerts
Review: Great for reducing food waste while helping people. Requires smartphone and ability to travel for pickups. Food quality varies but often excellent. Fast-paced – must respond quickly to alerts. Good for supplementing other food sources. Community-driven spirit is strong.
10. Willing Hearts
Overview: Major IPC-registered soup kitchen delivering approximately 10,000 free meals daily to the needy and marginalized. One of Singapore’s largest food assistance operations.
Food Offered:
- Cooked meals (rice, vegetables, protein, soup)
- Daily meal distribution
- Islandwide delivery service
Food Type: Non-vegetarian and vegetarian options, Asian cuisine
How to Register: For meal recipients, contact them directly or be referred by social service agencies. For volunteering, walk-in welcome during operating hours.
Contact Details:
- Address: No. 1 Lorong J Telok Kurau (entrance via Joo Chiat Place)
- Phone: +65 6476 5822 / 1800 222 0000
- Hours: Daily 5am-5pm
- Website: Willing Hearts
- Facebook: Willing Hearts Singapore
- Instagram: @willingheartssg
Review: One of the most impactful programmes in Singapore. Massive scale of operations with 10,000+ meals daily. Well-organized and efficient. Strong volunteer community. Meals are nutritious and portion sizes are good. Delivery service helps homebound individuals. Transparent operations with good accountability.
11. The Salvation Army
Overview: International Christian organization operating food assistance programmes across Singapore through various community centers and social service offices.
Food Offered:
- Hot meals at community centers
- Food rations and grocery vouchers
- Emergency food assistance
- Festive food distributions
Food Type: Various – hot meals, groceries, non-perishables
How to Register: Contact nearest Salvation Army center or social service office. Some walk-in services available; others require case assessment.
Contact Details:
- Headquarters: 20 Bishan Street 22, Singapore 579768
- Phone: +65 6555 0188
- Multiple centers across Singapore
- Website: The Salvation Army Singapore
- Facebook: The Salvation Army Singapore
Review: Comprehensive social services beyond just food. Professional case management approach. Good for long-term support needs. Multiple locations make access convenient. Strong track record and accountability. May require more documentation than walk-in options.
12. Muslim Converts’ Association of Singapore (Darul Arqam)
Overview: Provides food assistance and support specifically for Muslim converts and low-income Muslim families through various welfare programmes.
Food Offered:
- Food rations
- Grocery vouchers
- Cooked meals during Ramadan
- Festive food packages
Food Type: Halal
How to Register: Contact Darul Arqam for assessment and registration. Proof of income or financial need may be required.
Contact Details:
- Address: 32 Onan Road, The Galaxy, Singapore 424484
- Phone: +65 6348 8344
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm (Closed Sun)
- Website: Darul Arqam
- Facebook: Darul Arqam Singapore
Review: Specialized support for Muslim community, particularly converts. Cultural sensitivity and understanding. Halal-certified food. Holistic approach addressing multiple needs. Registration process ensures proper resource allocation. Strong community support network.
13. North West Community Development Council (CDC) Food Programme
Overview: Government-supported initiative providing food assistance to low-income residents in the North West district through partnerships with grassroots organizations.
Food Offered:
- Food vouchers for supermarkets
- Meal credits at hawker centers
- Emergency food rations
- Festive food hampers
Food Type: Various – vouchers allow choice
How to Register: Contact North West CDC or approach your local Community Centre/Residents’ Committee. Assessment based on income and household needs.
Contact Details:
- Website: North West CDC
- Contact through local Community Centres in Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Yew Tee areas
- Phone: Check individual CC contact numbers
Review: Good for residents in qualifying districts. Voucher system allows dignity of choice. Requires documentation and assessment. Seasonal programmes during festivals. Works well with other government assistance schemes. Not immediate walk-in service.
Note: Other CDCs (North East, South East, South West, Central) run similar programmes. Check your district CDC.
14. Fei Yue Community Services – Food Bank
Overview: Social service agency operating food banks at multiple locations, serving low-income families and individuals through systematic food distribution.
Food Offered:
- Dry goods and groceries
- Rice, instant noodles, canned food
- Cooking essentials
- Occasional fresh produce
Food Type: Non-perishable groceries, occasional fresh items
How to Register: Registration through Fei Yue Family Service Centres. Income assessment required. Suitable for regular beneficiaries, not walk-in.
Contact Details:
- Multiple locations across Singapore
- Main line: +65 6250 1012
- Website: Fei Yue Community Services
- Facebook: Fei Yue Community Services
- Instagram: @feiyuecommunityservices
Review: Professional social service approach. Good for families needing consistent support. Connects to other services like counseling and financial assistance. Registration takes time but provides sustainable support. Staff are caring and non-judgmental.
15. Lions Befrienders Senior Activity Centre (Food Support)
Overview: Focuses on elderly residents, providing meals and food assistance to seniors living alone or in need through community centers and home delivery.
Food Offered:
- Hot cooked meals
- Home-delivered meals for homebound seniors
- Congregate dining at senior centers
- Food rations
Food Type: Asian cuisine suitable for elderly dietary needs
How to Register: Contact Lions Befrienders or be referred by community partners. Focus on seniors aged 50 and above.
Contact Details:
- Address: 246 MacPherson Road #01-127, Singapore 348603
- Phone: +65 6383 5998
- Multiple centers across Singapore
- Website: Lions Befrienders
- Facebook: Lions Befrienders
Review: Excellent senior-focused service. Meals cater to elderly dietary needs. Home delivery is crucial for mobility-limited seniors. Social aspect of congregate dining combats loneliness. Caring volunteers understand senior needs. Registration required but worth it for regular support.
Quick Reference Guide
For Immediate Walk-In Meals:
- Singapore Buddhist Lodge (3 meals daily)
- Central Sikh Gurdwara (Lunch)
- Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society (Various meals)
- Anna Lakshmi Restaurant (Pay-what-you-wish buffet)
For Halal Options:
- Free Food for All (FFFA)
- Muslim Converts’ Association (Darul Arqam)
- Check with community programs for halal certification
For Vegetarian Meals:
- Singapore Buddhist Lodge
- Central Sikh Gurdwara
- All Hare Krishna/ISKCON programmes
- Anna Lakshmi Restaurant
For Seniors:
- Lions Befrienders
- Willing Hearts (delivery service)
- Thye Hua Kwan (Meals on Wheels)
For Families with Children:
- Food from the Heart (School Goodie Bags)
- Free Food for All (Kids’ breakfast programme)
- Fei Yue Community Services
For Migrant Workers:
- Krsna’s Free Meals (specialized service)
- Singapore Buddhist Lodge
- Willing Hearts
No Registration Required:
- Singapore Buddhist Lodge
- Central Sikh Gurdwara
- Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society
- Anna Lakshmi Restaurant
- Krsna’s Free Meals
- Sri Krishna Mandir
Registration Required:
- Food from the Heart
- Fei Yue Community Services
- The Salvation Army (for regular support)
- Lions Befrienders
- Muslim Converts’ Association
- CDC Food Programmes
Important Tips
For First-Time Visitors:
- No need to feel embarrassed – these services welcome everyone with dignity
- Arrive during stated meal times to ensure food availability
- Most places don’t require ID or registration
- Dress modestly, especially at religious institutions
- Follow any simple guidelines (e.g., remove shoes at temples)
Best Practices:
- If able, consider making a small donation to support operations
- Volunteer your time if you can
- Share information with others who might need help
- Be respectful to volunteers and fellow diners
- Don’t take more than you need – ensure there’s enough for everyone
For Regular Support:
- Register with organizations that offer consistent assistance
- Connect with Family Service Centres for comprehensive help
- Explore government assistance schemes (ComCare, CDC vouchers)
- Consider food banks for groceries vs. prepared meals
- Many organizations offer additional services beyond food
Emergency Hotlines
If you’re in crisis and need immediate assistance:
- ComCare Call: 1800-222-0000
- Social Service Offices: Visit HDB hubs
- Family Service Centres: Nearest FSC in your neighborhood
- 999: For emergencies
How to Help
These programmes run on donations and volunteers. Ways to support:
- Donate Money: All organizations accept financial contributions
- Volunteer Time: Most places need regular volunteers
- Donate Food: Some accept surplus or grocery donations
- Spread Awareness: Share this information with those who need it
- Organize Fundraisers: Community support makes a difference
This guide is current as of January 2026. Contact details and operating hours may change. Always call ahead to confirm before visiting. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official websites or social media pages.