Access to healthy and fresh food is not always guaranteed for everyone in the community. Non-profit organisations such as Food from the Heart provide a vital safety net for vulnerable groups, especially in times of rising costs of living.

Since its founding in 2003, Food from the Heart has brought people together — whether as volunteers, donors or recipients — creating a network of solidarity that ensures no one faces hunger alone. Mr Robin C. Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Food from the Heart, said: “Through our food distribution programmes, we provide consistent food support to lower-income individuals and families, helping to ease their financial burden.”

Some of the beneficiaries are seniors or people with underlying health conditions, many of whom live on a limited household income. “Our goal is not only to fill the stomachs of those in need but also to provide them with nutritious food and a sense of stability,” he said.

(Photo: Fernvale Our Home Facebook)

One of Food from the Heart’s largest programme is Community Food Pack, which distributes food through its self-collection centres. It currently operates 15 such centres in Ang Mo Kio GRC, Kebun Baru SMC and Yio Chu Kang SMC, serving nearly 1,500 households every month. Each beneficiary receives a food pack consisting of 10 to 12 essential items such as rice, cooking oil and biscuits, as well as fresh produce such as eggs, fruit, vegetables and bread to maintain a healthy diet.

Taking residents Mr Abdul Kadir and his wife as an example, Mr Lee said the 62-year-old couple relied on the monthly food distribution to make ends meet. “With the rising cost of living and health challenges limiting their ability to work, our food distribution provides a crucial lifeline.”

To extend its reach and better meet the needs of beneficiaries, Food from the Heart is set to launch a Community Shop in Fernvale. The Community Shop works like a mini-mart for beneficiaries and will operate on a shop-for-free concept. Slated to open in the first quarter of 2025, beneficiaries will be able to select up to 14 food items every month. “By giving people the dignity of choice, we believe they will be more thoughtful about what they receive and ensure that nothing goes to waste,” he explained.

(Photo: Fernvale Our Home Facebook)

To further promote the kampung spirit, the Community Shop will also have a 24/7 food drop-off point, making it easier for residents and donors to contribute.

In addition to its food distribution efforts, Food from the Heart also encourages community involvement and volunteerism. Mr Lee shared: “We welcome people from all walks of life to donate funds and food on our wish list or sign up for various volunteer opportunities – whether it’s distributing food, packing groceries or helping out at events.”

For residents who would like to support the charity and food distribution programmes, follow Food from the Heart on Facebook or visit the website to learn more about how you can make a difference in the community.

[Chinese]

慈善组织善粮社（Food from the Heart）目前在宏茂桥集选区、哥本峇鲁单选区和杨厝港单选区设有15家粮食分发中心，向弱势群体免费提供蔬果和食品。善粮社将于2025年在芬维尔设立“善粮小铺”（Community Shop），以更好地满足受惠居民的需求。

[Malay]

Pertubuhan tanpa untung Food from the Heart kini mengendalikan 15 pusat kutipan sendiri di GRC Ang Mo Kio, SMC Kebun Baru dan SMC Yio Chu Kang, menyediakan bantuan makanan yang berterusan kepada kumpulan kurang bernasib baik. Ia akan membuka sebuah Kedai Masyarakat di Fernvale pada tahun 2025 bagi meluaskan jangkauannya dan memenuhi keperluan penerima dengan lebih baik.

[Tamil]

லாப நோக்கற்ற அமைப்பான “Food from the Heart”, தற்போது அங் மோ கியோ குழுத்தொகுதி, கெபுன் பாரு தனித்தொகுதி, இயோ சூ காங் தனித்தொகுதி ஆகிய வட்டாரங்களில் சொந்தமாக உணவைப் பெற்றுக்கொள்ளக்கூடிய 15 நிலையங்களை நடத்தி, உதவி தேவைப்படுவோருக்கு உணவு ஆதரவு வழங்குகிறது. இந்த அமைப்பு, பயனாளர்களின் தேவைகளை நிறைவேற்றும் நோக்குடன், 2025-ஆம் ஆண்டு ஃபெர்ன்வேலில் ஒரு சமூகக் கடையைத் திறக்கவிருக்கிறது.