There Are Community Shops in Singapore Where Residents Can Pick Up Free Groceries

A charity-run minimart that provides beneficiaries with free groceries can be found in the Boon Lay neighbourhood of Singapore. The initiative is the brainchild of the charity organisation, Food from the Heart, and supported by OCBC Bank.

Shop-for-free concept

Operating on a shop-for-free concept, needy families in the area can pick up groceries without having to worry about the costs. The idea is to empower them to get their hands on items they truly require, instead of handing them out standard food packages. The latter may consist of items that may not necessarily be useful for the recipients. 

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With a beneficiary card, eligible residents can redeem up to 12 items each month. A wide selection of food staples including canned goods, condiments, and spices is at the store. 

According to Mr. Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services and Integration, who officially opened the store, “it improves food matching, better meets residents’ needs, and also helps coordinate charity food distribution better and to reduce food wastage.”

The store serves more than 350 needy households. It is projected to reach out to 1,000 households by the end 2021.

There is another similar community shop in Singapore. Located in Mountbatten, it was established in February 2021 by Food From the Heart as well. It serves over 5,000 households islandwide. 

It is truly heartening to see organisations in Singapore stepping up for the greater good of the community. If you wish to do your part, do take note that both the outlets accept donations from the public. There are various ways you can go about doing it. You can make a cash contribution or make a food donation at the 24/7 food drop. Find out more here. 

Quoting Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

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Locations of community shops in Singapore

Community Shop @ Mountbatten

Address: Block 13 Old Airport Road #01-57, 390013
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 12.30pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Community Shop @ Boon Lay

Address: Block 176 Boon Lay Drive #01-366, S640176
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 12.30pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday