Overview
Singapore offers numerous food assistance programs serving low-income families, elderly individuals, and vulnerable communities. These programs provide essential groceries, fresh produce, cooked meals, and bread distributions to help families meet their basic nutritional needs.
1. M.Y MANNA (Metropolitan YMCA)
Services Offered:
- Monthly basic groceries and toiletries distribution
- Home delivery for non-ambulant beneficiaries
- Collection at center for ambulant beneficiaries
Food Items:
- Basic groceries
- Toiletries
- Dry goods
Distribution Schedule:
- 1st Saturday: Home delivery for non-ambulant beneficiaries
- 2nd & 4th Saturday: Collection at center
Location: 10/10A Lorong 37 Geylang, Singapore 387907
Contact: Contact through SG Social Support website
Eligibility: Low-income families
2. FOOD FROM THE HEART
A. Bread Run Programme
Services Offered:
- Daily bread collection from bakeries and hotels
- Distribution through community partners
Food Items:
- Excess bread from commercial establishments
- Safe-for-consumption surplus bread
Distribution:
- Daily, 365 days a year
- 800+ regular routes
- 14,819 bread runs annually
How to Participate:
- Donors: Indicate interest on their website
- Volunteers (Bread Runners): Sign up online
- Community Partners: Reach out for bread provisions
Contact: Visit Food From The Heart website
B. Community Food Pack Programme
Services Offered:
- Monthly food packs with non-perishable items
- Fresh fruit, eggs, and bread distributions
Food Items:
- Rice
- Canned goods
- Fresh fruits
- Eggs
- Bread
Distribution: Monthly
Contact: Food From The Heart
Eligibility: Less fortunate families and individuals
C. School Goodie Bag Programme
Services Offered:
- Monthly food rations for underprivileged students and families
Food Items:
- Rice
- Low GI vermicelli
- Instant noodles
- Cooking oil
- Mushrooms
- Baked beans
- Corn
- Canned sardines
- Biscuits
- Milo
- UHT milk
- Low-fat condensed skim milk
- Fresh eggs
- Oatmeal
- Breakfast cereal
- Bread spread
Distribution: Monthly
Contact: Food From The Heart website
Eligibility: Underprivileged school students and families
3. THE FOOD BANK SINGAPORE
Services Offered:
- Tailored food support based on beneficiary needs
- Flexible monthly distributions
- Partnership with community organizations
Food Items:
- Wide range from individual donors, supermarkets, manufacturers
- Dietary-specific items
- Nutritionally appropriate food
Distribution: Monthly, flexible based on needs
Contact:
- Website: foodbank.sg
- Partners with community organizations like Woodlands Social Centre (CONNECT@806)
Eligibility: Through partner organizations
4. FILOS COMMUNITY SERVICES
A. Waves of Blessing (WOB)
Services Offered:
- Monthly door-to-door distribution
- Befriending and engagement with residents
Food Items:
- Bread
- Essential items
- Food rations
Distribution:
- 1st Saturday of each month
- Door-to-door at Kembangan-Chai Chee
Contact: [email protected]
Eligibility: Needy residents in Chai Chee area
B. Additional Programs
Services Offered:
- Bursary and scholarship awards
- Festive blessing projects
- Information and referral services
Food Items:
- Groceries
- Festive goodies (during festive seasons)
5. HOPE CENTRE SINGAPORE
A. Bless X Love
Services Offered:
- Essential food distribution to rental flat residents
- Befriending services
- Referrals to relevant services
Areas Served:
- Commonwealth
- Tampines
- Queenstown estates
Food Items: Essential food items
Contact: Hope Centre Singapore
Eligibility: Vulnerable and disadvantaged families in rental flats
B. Bread With Love
Services Offered:
- Monthly bread distribution
- Social and psycho-emotional support
- Befriending services
Distribution: Monthly at various locations in Singapore
Started: March 2014
Contact: Hope Centre Singapore
6. BRIGHTER DAYS GROCERY PACK
Services Offered:
- Free grocery essential packs
- Home delivery at no cost
Food Items:
- All items are VEGETARIAN
- Essential grocery items
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have valid BLUE CHAS CARD
- Must stay in HDB FLATS
- Apply for yourself only
Application Process:
- Application opens: 1st of each month
- Application closes: 15th of each month
- Notification: By email
- Must reply within 3 days to confirm delivery
Distribution: ~10 packs monthly (priority based on needs)
Verification Required:
- Name on CHAS card
- Name & address on NRIC
Contact: Through application form only (no PM or post replies)
Priority: Large families in need and first-time recipients
7. YONG-EN CARE CENTRE
A. PantryPlenish
Services Offered:
- Monthly dry food ration distribution
Areas Served:
- Chinatown
- Jalan Kukoh
- York Hill
Food Items: Dry food rations
Eligibility: Low-income families and aged seniors
B. BreadWalk
Services Offered:
- Fortnightly breakfast item distributions
- Regular contact and well-being monitoring
Food Items: Breakfast items
Distribution: Every two weeks
C. FreshFood
Services Offered:
- Fresh produce distribution
Food Items:
- Fresh chicken
- Fresh fish
- Variety of fruits
- Vegetables
8. XIN YUAN COMMUNITY CARE
A. Food Wise Good Life Programme
Services Offered:
- Meals and grocery distribution
- Holistic support for seniors
- Therapeutic services
- Regular health check-ups
- Social activities
Food Items:
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
- Grocery items
- Packaged meals
Contact: Xin Yuan Community Care
Eligibility: Low-income seniors, vulnerable families
Donations Welcome: Fresh fruits, vegetables, grocery items, packaged meals
B. Heart for Seniors Programme
Services Offered:
- Healthcare and therapeutic services
- Daily fitness sessions
- Social and enrichment activities
- Essential aid
- Financial assistance
Eligibility: Seniors with chronic health conditions, at risk of isolation
9. CATHOLIC WELFARE SERVICES (CWS)
Program: Food Ration Assistance Programme
Services Offered:
- Monthly food aid
- Home delivery
- Befriending for socially isolated individuals
Food Items:
- Nutritious food based on client preferences
- Essential groceries
Distribution: Monthly
Contact: Catholic Welfare Services
Eligibility:
- Income below $650
- Low-income individuals and families
- Socially isolated seniors
- Difficulty accessing basic needs
10. ASCENDING HOPE COMMUNITY SERVICES
A. Food Ration Distribution
Services Offered:
- Essential food rations for 600+ families and elderly
Areas Served:
- Bishan
- Sin Ming
- Toa Payoh
- Whampoa
Distribution: Ad-hoc
Contact: Ascending Hope Community Services
B. We Care and Share Programme
Services Offered:
- Weekly food distribution
- Befriending services
- Companionship
Food Items:
- Bread
- Eggs
- Fresh fruits
- Vegetables
Distribution:
- Tuesdays: 2:30pm – 5pm
- Location: Whampoa Community Centre
Partner: Whampoa Community Centre
11. JAMIYAH WELFARE DEPARTMENT
Program: Food Ration Distribution Programme
Services Offered:
- JamiyahFoodBank collects, sorts, stores, and distributes donated food
- Support for journey to self-reliance
Food Items: Donated food items
Contact: Jamiyah Welfare Department
Established: 1974
Eligibility:
- Disabled
- Less fortunate
- Widows
- Orphans
- Families of drug detainees
12. NAM HONG WELFARE SERVICE SOCIETY
Program: Caring Heart Program
Services Offered:
- Periodic home visits
- Ration and subsistence delivery
- Afterlife care (pro bono funeral services)
- Annual festive dinners
- Care and assistance
Food Items:
- Ration packs
- Cash handouts (during festive seasons)
Started: 2014
Contact: Nam Hong Welfare Service Society
Eligibility:
- Elderly aged 65+
- Living alone with no family support
- Struggling to make ends meet
- All racial and religious backgrounds
13. HOPE WORLDWIDE SINGAPORE
Program: Community Outreach – Samaritans
Services Offered:
- Distribution of Essential Aid
- Home Refresh
- Financial Aid (by referral only)
Areas Served (Intensive Outreach):
- Punggol
- Sengkang
- Buangkok
- Marsiling
- Jalan Kukoh
- Ghim Moh
- Bendemeer
- Queenstown
- Eunos
- Toa Payoh
- Jalan Bukit Merah
Partners:
- North East CDC
- Johnson & Johnson
- SAP
- Active ageing centres
- Nursing homes
- Central Christian Church
Contact: Hope Worldwide Singapore
14. CHARIS CENTRE
Program: Food Assistance Project
Services Offered:
- Periodic food assistance to HDB rental unit families
Beneficiaries: 65 families (as of 2015)
Partners: Grassroots organizations, resident committees
Contact: Charis Centre
15. CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY SERVICES
Program: Food Care Programme
Services Offered:
- Monthly food and daily necessities
- Befriending visits
- Social and emotional support
Food Items:
- Groceries
- Daily necessities
Distribution: Monthly through befriending volunteers
Contact: Cornerstone Community Services
Eligibility: Households with financial difficulties
16. SINGAPORE HELPING HANDS (SHG)
Program: Food Ration / Diaper / Milk Powder Programme
Services Offered:
- Quarterly distribution
Food Items:
- Food
- Vegetables
- Diapers
- Milk powder
Distribution: March, June, September, December
Contact: Singapore Helping Hands
17. ST ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL
Program: Adopt a Block in the Community Outreach (ABC)
Services Offered:
- Home visits
- Food pack distribution
- Small gifts
- Organized outings
- Befriending
Areas Served:
- Bukit Merah View
- Henderson area
Distribution: 1st Saturday of each month, 9.30am to 12pm
Partner: LifeHouse SG
Contact: St Andrew’s Cathedral
Commitment: Long-term (minimum 1 year)
18. ST HILDA’S COMMUNITY SERVICES
Program: Friends @ St Hilda’s Link
Services Offered:
- Home visits to elderly and homebound
- Hospital/polyclinic escort services
- Food drops (donations-in-kind)
- SATA Doctors on Wheels (bimonthly medical clinic)
Food Items:
- Rice
- Oil
- Canned food
- Basic essentials
Areas Served: Tanjong Rhu
Distribution: Periodic
Contact: St Hilda’s Community Services
Activities:
- Walking on Sunshine (Tuesdays, Wednesdays)
- Golden Oldies exercises (Mondays, Thursdays)
- Various interest groups and classes
19. RIVERLIFE COMMUNITY SERVICES
A. RCS BLESS Family
Services Offered:
- Monthly grocery packs
- Family befriending
- Workshops (parenting, communication, resilience)
Food Items:
- Essential food
- Household items
Distribution: Monthly
Contact: RiverLife Community Services
Eligibility: Income below $900
B. RiverLife Cares
Services Offered:
- Grocery help
- Community bonding activities
- Companionship
Partners:
- Volunteers
- Corporate partners
- Community organizations
20. LIFE COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
Program: Friends of Children and Youth (FOCY)
Services Offered:
- Casework management
- Social, educational, and care support
- Befriender assignment
- Mentoring
Food Support: As part of holistic care package
Started: 2004
Contact: Life Community Services Society
Eligibility:
- Children and youth aged 6-16
- Parent(s) presently or formerly incarcerated
Coverage: Islandwide
21. HINDU ENDOWMENTS BOARD
Program: Gift From The Heart
Services Offered:
- Food rations to Hindu families in need
Distribution: Through HEB-Ashram
Contact: Hindu Endowments Board
Launched: 2009 (economic downturn assistance)
Eligibility: Hindu families identified through Hindu temples
22. KAMPUNG SENANG CHARITY AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Program: Gift Of Good Food Scheme
Services Offered:
- Organic food delivery
- Holistic Support for People affected by Cancer (HSPC)
Food Items:
- Organic food
- Nutritious, enzyme-rich food
- High-nutrient products
Distribution: Regular delivery to various Singapore locations
Launched: 2003
Contact: Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation
Eligibility: Beneficiaries with cancer and chronic illnesses
23. PPHCSC
Program: Grocery Distribution
Services Offered:
- Bi-monthly fresh grocery and essential item delivery
- Friendship building with families
Beneficiaries: 80+ households
Distribution: Twice monthly
Launched: 2020
Contact: PPHCSC
24. INFANT JESUS HOMES AND CHILDREN’S CENTRES
Program: IJ Joy Packs
Services Offered:
- Neighbourhood distribution of essentials
- Values-in-action program for children
Food Items:
- Groceries
- Dry goods
Distribution: Neighborhood distribution in AMK area
Contact: IJHCC
Mission: Inspired by kampung spirit of sharing
25. SERANGOON MORAL FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE
Program: Kampong Friends’ Blessings
Services Offered:
- Family support program
Statistics: 3,600+ donations, 160+ families involved
Launched: February 20, 2018
Contact: Serangoon Moral Family Service Centre
26. FREE FOOD FOR ALL
Program: KidsLuvIt!
Services Offered:
- Year-long program with separate events
- Interactive Engagement Series
- Secret Santa
Food Items: Food insecurity support
Contact: Free Food For All
Eligibility: Underprivileged children
27. JALAN BESAR COMMUNITY CENTRE
Program: Love Connect Market
Services Offered:
- Weekly fresh food distribution
- Clothing and kids items
Food Items:
- Fresh vegetables
- Fruits
- Eggs
Distribution: Every Saturday
Location: Jalan Besar Community Centre, 69 Jellicoe Road
Areas Served: Kampong Glam residents
Contact: Jalan Besar Community Centre
28. EN COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
Program: Makan-on-the-Table
Services Offered:
- Dry food rations
- Counselling and case interventions
- Groupwork
- Training workshops
Food Items: Dry food rations
Contact: En Community Services Society
29. HAO REN HAO SHI
Program: Mobile Groceries
Services Offered:
- Mobile provision distribution across Singapore
- First of its kind mobile service
Distribution:
- 9 events monthly
- 100 families per event
- Provisions distributed from HRHS lorries
Started: 2023
Contact: Hao Ren Hao Shi
30. HELPING JOY
Program: Monthly Provisions
Services Offered:
- Customized food rations and basic necessities
- Distribution to individuals and low-income families
Food Items: Basic necessities and food rations (customized)
Distribution:
- Weekdays
- 2pm – 5pm
Contact: Helping Joy
31. NANYANG COMMUNITY CLUB
Program: Nanyang Food Locker Programme
Services Offered:
- Digital locker food pack redemption
- 2 free food packs per month
Food Items:
- Canned sardines
- Luncheon meat
- Beehoon
- Instant noodles
- Instant Milo drinks
- Chocolate (festive)
- Mandarin oranges (festive)
Distribution: Monthly (2 packs/resident)
Location: Nanyang Community Club, Jurong West
Started: January 2022
Beneficiaries: 50 residents (400 total served)
Cost Savings: Up to $60 monthly per resident
Contact: Nanyang CCC Community Development and Welfare Fund
Eligibility: Low-income residents with blue Chas card
Statistics: 3,600+ food packs distributed
32. NORTH WEST CDC
Program: North West Service Weeks
Services Offered:
- Quarterly food assistance
- Pop-Up Market
- Customizable food packs
- Home improvement services (some partners)
- Additional items/vouchers
Distribution: Quarterly
Contact:
- Corporates: [email protected]
- Residents: [email protected]
- Hotline: 6248 5566
Eligibility:
- North West residents
- Public rental flats
- Local welfare schemes
33. ONE FRESH FOOD PROGRAMME
Services Offered:
- Fresh grocery delivery
- Supermarket vouchers
Food Items:
- Eggs
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Fish
- Chicken
- Healthy food items
Distribution: Volunteers purchase at neighborhood stores and deliver
Contact: Through program organizers
34. PERTAPIS WELFARE TRUST FUND
Services Offered:
- Monthly food rations and essential support
- Empowerment education for families
- Tuition for school-going children
Beneficiaries: 500 needy families
Contact: Pertapis Welfare Trust Fund
Mission: Support poor, needy, and lower-income community
35. SINGAPORE BUDDHIST WELFARE SERVICES
Program: Public Assistance Programme
Services Offered:
- Monthly Financial Assistance (cash grants)
- Monthly Food Rations
- Home visits every 6 months
Food Items: Monthly food rations
Launched: 1985
Contact: Singapore Buddhist Welfare Services
Referral Sources:
- Hospitals
- Family service centres
- Grassroots organizations
- Public agencies
Eligibility:
- Needy students (pocket allowance)
- Elderly seniors and families with financial difficulties
- All races and religions
36. MALAY YOUTH LITERARY ASSOCIATION (4PM)
Program: Ramadan On Wheels (ROW)
Services Offered:
- Food ration delivery during Ramadan
- Volunteer-driven gotong-royong initiative
- Family development and youth empowerment
Distribution: Annual, during Ramadan month
Started: 2001
Contact: Malay Youth Literary Association
Eligibility:
- Income below $650
- Low-income families
- Underprivileged elderly
37. REALM OF TRANQUILITY
Services Offered:
- Provision distribution to one-room flat residents
- Free weekly mobile medical services
- TCM Centre with free consultation
Food Items: Provisions for needy in one-room flats
Distribution: Regular
Established: 1978 by Mr. Eddie Tay
TCM Centre Location: Rochor Centre (opened November 2003)
Contact: Realm of Tranquility
Coverage: Singapore, Malaysia, China
38. APEX CLUB OF SINGAPORE BUKIT TIMAH
Program: Redhill Weekly Food Distribution
Services Offered:
- Weekly food distribution
- Planned balanced healthy diet
Food Items:
- Fresh fruits
- Fresh vegetables
- Nutrient-rich food
Distribution: Weekly at Redhill Blk 89 and Kim Tian
Beneficiaries: ~200 elderly residents
Started: June 1988 (longest running program)
Contact: Apex Club of Singapore Bukit Timah
39. YWCA
Program: Sustenance for Families
Services Offered:
- Monthly dry or fresh rations
- Partnership with Family Service Centres
Food Items:
Dry Rations:
- Rice
- Cooking oil
- Canned food
- Diapers
- Milk powder
Fresh Rations:
- Eggs
- Vegetables
Distribution: Once monthly
Launched: 2010
Contact: YWCA
Eligibility:
- Income below $800
- Marginalised families
- Identified through partner agencies
Coverage: Islandwide
40. THE SATURDAY MOVEMENT
Services Offered:
- Weekly lunch gatherings
- Monthly bread, fruit, and meal distribution
- Befriending services
Food Items:
- Bread
- Fruit
- Meals
- Dry rations
Distribution:
- 4,000 items monthly
- Weekly in-person free lunch every Saturday
Beneficiaries: 500+ needy elderly
Started: 2011 (Lengkok Bahru)
Contact: The Saturday Movement
Status: Registered charity, 100+ volunteers
41. TIES OF LOVE
Services Offered:
- Grocery distributions
- Career exploration programs for children/youth
Food Items: Groceries
Distribution: Multiple rounds
Areas Served: Rental blocks in Yishun
Partners:
- Nee Soon South Youth Network
- Mediacorp
Contact: Ties of Love
Mission: Youth-led support for single parents and families
42. TWILIGHTLOVE
Services Offered:
- Monthly bag distributions
- Customized support based on needs
Food Items:
- Food rations
- Daily necessities
Distribution: Monthly
Partners:
- Lions Befrienders
- Thye Hua Kwan
- TOUCH Community Services
Contact: TwilightLove
Status: Non-profit, all contributions go to distributions
43. SOUTH WEST CDC
Program: Value Meals @ South West
Services Offered:
- Value meal redemption from vending machines
- Meals priced at $3 or less for general public
Distribution: 80 vending machines at HDB blocks
Sponsor: Select Group ($600,000 in credits for SG60)
Access: Through Taste Asia app
Contact: South West CDC
Partner: Select Group
Launched: Recent (SG60 celebration)
Eligibility: Vulnerable residents in South West District
44. WOODLANDS SOCIAL CENTRE
A. CONNECT@806
Services Offered:
- Monthly food distribution
- Volunteer befriending
- Community bonding activities
Distribution: 1st Saturday of each month
Location: Blk 806 Woodlands
Partner: The Food Bank Singapore (FBSG)
Contact: Woodlands Social Centre
B. Welfare Assistance
Services Offered:
- Short to mid-term welfare assistance
- Food rations
- Tap-a-meal cards
Contact: Woodlands Social Centre
Eligibility: Families facing financial constraints
KEY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA SUMMARY
By Income Level:
- Below $650: Catholic Welfare Services, Ramadan On Wheels
- Below $800: YWCA Sustenance for Families
- Below $900: RiverLife RCS BLESS Family
- Blue CHAS Card holders: Brighter Days Grocery Pack, Nanyang Food Locker Programme
By Demographics:
- Elderly/Seniors: Nam Hong, Xin Yuan, Yong-En, St Hilda’s, Ascending Hope
- Families with Children: Food From The Heart School Goodie Bag, KidsLuvIt!
- Single Parents: Ties of Love
- Students: Singapore Buddhist Welfare Services, Life Community Services
- Cancer Patients: Kampung Senang Gift of Good Food
- Children of Incarcerated Parents: Life Community Services FOCY
By Housing Type:
- HDB Rental Flats: Charis Centre, North West CDC, Hope Centre programs
- One-Room Flats: Realm of Tranquility
By Religion/Ethnicity:
- Hindu: Hindu Endowments Board
- Muslim: Malay Youth Literary Association (Ramadan focus)
- All races/religions welcome: Most programs
HOW TO ACCESS PROGRAMS
Direct Application:
- Brighter Days Grocery Pack – Online application form (opens 1st-15th monthly)
- Nanyang Food Locker Programme – Apply at Nanyang Community Club
Through Referrals:
Most programs require referral from:
- Family Service Centres
- Hospitals
- Grassroots organizations
- Community centers
- Social workers
- Resident committees
Walk-in Collection:
Some programs allow beneficiaries to collect provisions at specified times:
- M.Y Manna (2nd & 4th Saturdays)
- Various community centers on distribution days
Home Delivery:
Many programs offer home delivery:
- M.Y Manna (non-ambulant beneficiaries)
- Brighter Days Grocery Pack
- Nam Hong Caring Heart
- Various befriending programs
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Food Packing:
- Food From The Heart (groups of 10-15)
- Various community centers
Bread Running:
- Food From The Heart Bread Run (daily routes)
Befriending:
- St Andrew’s Cathedral ABC
- Hope Centre Bread With Love
- RiverLife Community Services
- Cornerstone Community Services
Distribution:
- Filos Community Services
- The Saturday Movement
- Various community outreach programs
DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
Food Donations:
- The Food Bank Singapore
- Food From The Heart
- Xin Yuan Community Care (fresh fruits, vegetables, packaged meals)
Cash Donations:
- All programs welcome cash donations
- Some programs (like School Goodie Bag) rely entirely on cash donations
Bread Donations:
- Food From The Heart Bread Run (bakeries, hotels)
Corporate Partnerships:
- North West CDC Service Weeks
- Various community programs
CONTACT DIRECTORY
For most programs, contact through:
- SG Social Support website (central directory)
- Individual organization websites
- Email addresses provided above
- Community centers and Family Service Centres for referrals
TIPS FOR BENEFICIARIES
- Check eligibility requirements carefully (income level, housing type, age group)
- Prepare required documents: NRIC, CHAS card, proof of income/residence
- Apply early for programs with limited slots
- Consider multiple programs – many organizations serve different areas/needs
- Ask for referrals from Family Service Centres if unsure where to start
- Be consistent with collection/delivery appointments
- Communicate needs honestly to match appropriate programs
CONCLUSION
Singapore offers a robust network of food assistance programs covering diverse needs across the island. Whether you need daily bread, monthly rations, fresh produce, or specialized support, there are multiple touchpoints for help. Most programs emphasize not just food provision but holistic support including befriending, counseling, and community building.
For the most current information and to find the best match for your specific situation, contact SG Social Support or your nearest Family Service Centre.