Frequently asked questions

General FAQs: The Food Bank Singapore

The following section addresses general frequently asked questions (FAQs). We encourage you to review this comprehensive resource before reaching out to us.

Is The Food Bank Singapore an Instituion of Public Character (IPC)?

The Food Bank Singapore was founded in 2012 and we were granted charity status in August 2012 (Co. Reg No: 201200654E) and has achieved IPC status since 2015. An IPC is an organisation approved by the Commissioner of Charities to receive tax deductible donations. Donors are given tax deduction of up to 250% for donations made to The Food Bank Singapore.

What is the vision (goal) of The Food Bank Singapore?

Our goal is to achieve food security* for all in Singapore.
* Food security in our context is to ensure that no one goes hungry involuntarily; that all have access and availability to food that can nourish

What is the mission of The Food Bank Singapore?

As a local food charity that is not funded by the Singapore government, our mission is to connect food surpluses with communities to improve food security while championing food sustainability through education, advocacy, and reduction of food loss and waste.

How does The Food Bank Singapore work?

Our work revolves around collecting food surpluses—much of which would otherwise contribute to food waste—from farms, manufacturers, distributors, retail stores, restaurants, consumers, and other sources. This food is redistributed to communities in need through our vast network of food beneficiary partners and charities, including various homes, family service centres, soup kitchens, and other Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs). In doing so, we can improve food security in Singapore. Although most of the food we secure are food donations and supluses, we procure food when donations are insufficient to meet the needs of our beneficiaries.
We are committed to advancing food sustainability by tackling one of the world’s most pressing challenges – food waste. Every year, millions of tonnes of edible food are discarded while many still face hunger. We work to bridge this gap by raising awareness and advocating for responsible consumption and driving action that redistributes food efficiently. Through education, partnerships, and community initiatives, we work to create a future where every meal counts, resources are respected and food that can still nourish does not go to waste. 

Who are the communities The Food Bank Singapore serve?

We serve beneficiaries via our network of beneficiary partners and some of our partners are Red Cross, Methodist Welfare Services, Sunlove, Pertapis, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities, etc.

What are the programmes that The Food Bank Singapore undertake as part of its mission?

The Food Bank Singapore has developed a varity of programmes that are targeted to improve food security and food sustainability in Singapore. They include:

  • Joy in Every Bundle – a door-to-door food distribution programme that allows us to partner with corporate donors to provide food rations to beneficiaries.
  • Food Bank Boxes – serves as an avenue for us to collect food donations from the public from various locations across Singapore.
  • Food Drive – a food drive exercise held in conjunction with a organisation, instituition or community to collect food donation/surpluses
  • Food Support Programme – our way of providing regular food support to our vast network of beneficiary partners. We share our inventory with these partners on a monthly basis and allocate the food to meet the needs of beneficiaries across partners.
  • Food Pantry 2.0 – Mobile Food Pantry vending machine to meet food needs for needy beneficiaries 24/7.
  •  Bank Card Programme – currently in pause and looking to relaunch in 2026 with increased convenience for our beneficiaries to redeem cooked meals from partner F&B establishments.
  • Advocacy and Research 
How is The Food Bank Singapore different from other food charities in Singapore?

The Food Bank Singapore is the nation’s only food bank that is accredited with The Global FoodBanking Network, an organisation which supports food banks in more than 50 countries. As an IPC-registered food charity that is not funded by the government, our work is largely supported by donations. One of the key differences between us and other food charities is that we rescue more food than we buy, reflecting our commitment to reducing food loss and waste as a means to improving food security. This is important because globally, 1/3 of all food grown and produced is lost, and food waste contributes up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we are the only local food charity that is involved in advocacy, taking time through our advocacy programme that sees us reaching out to corporates and schools to share the critical topics of food insecurity and food waste and their impact on communities and the planet.

How can I partner or support the cause of The Food Bank Singapore?

You can support or partner us in a variety of ways, including, donating food to us (please refer to the FAQ tab on donating food or visit (https://foodbank.sg/deposit-food/individual-donors-food-bank-boxes/ for individual food donation), (https://foodbank.sg/food-drive/ for food drive donations), or (https://foodbank.sg/food-industry/ for bulk food donations from food manufacturers, importers, and the like). Please check out the FAQs for “Donate” for more details.
You can also support us via monetary donations, which go towards our procurement of food when food donations/surplus are insufficient to meet the needs of our beneficiaries. Being a local charity that is not funded by the government, monetary donation is also critical as it helps us to maintain our operations and develop better programmes to do our mission well.

How can I reach out to The Food Bank Singapore?

You can reach us via the following email addresses:
To contact us for food support:
Email: beneficiaries@foodbank.sg
For food donations and logistics-related enquiries:
Email: logistics@foodbank.sg
To enquire about volunteering opportunities:
Email: volunteer@foodbank.sg
For media and communications enquiries:
Email: corpcomms@foodbank.sg
For general enquiries:
Email: enquiries@foodbank.sg

Is there parking within the premises?

Please note that there is no visitor parking within the premises. However, public parking is available along the road outside our building, with standard coupon parking rates.

Student FAQs:

The following section answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) commonly raised by students for Foodbankers. We encourage students to review this comprehensive resource before reaching out to us.​

How does The Food Bank Singapore (FBSG) contribute to reducing food waste?

FBSGhas made a significant impact on reducing food waste by redistributing over 22 million equivalent meals since its inception. On average, FBSG provides approximately 2.5 million meals annually, ensuring surplus food is transformed into nourishment for those in need. Through close collaboration with partners across Singapore, we divert substantial amounts of food from landfills to dinner tables, creating a positive ripple effect for both the community and the environment.

How does The Food Bank Singapore (FBSG) measure the success of its programs?

The success of FBSG programs is measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. We track the amount of food rescued, the number of meals distributed, and the growth in partnerships and community engagement. Additionally, we evaluate social impact, such as the feedback from beneficiaries. For instance, the Woodlands Social Centre (WSC) reported that our support helps alleviate up to 35% of their beneficiaries’ monthly household expenses, allowing families to redirect funds toward essential needs like healthcare and childcare. These insights guide our efforts and ensure we’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

What strategies does The Food Bank Singapore (FBSG) have to reduce food waste?

FBSG addresses food waste through a range of impactful initiatives. FBSG redistributes surplus food to beneficiaries in need, ensuring that excess food is put to good use rather than wasted. Our Food Bank Card program empowers beneficiaries by allowing them to redeem food directly, giving them access to essential supplies. By partnering with businesses, we rescue unsold food and divert it from landfills. Additionally, we run educational campaigns and workshops to raise awareness about food waste and inspire the community to take action. Together, these efforts create a comprehensive approach to tackling food waste.

What challenges does The Food Bank Singapore (FBSG) face in collecting and distributing food?​
  • One of our main challenges lies in logistics. High transport costs and
    inefficiencies in food collection can complicate the process. Additionally, some
    of the food collected may be expired, have broken seals, or be unsuitable (e.g.,
    medicinal items). Our dedicated volunteers sort through donations to ensure only
    appropriate items are distributed while disposing of unsuitable ones responsibly
    to reduce waste
  • While we encourage food donations, we also emphasize the
    importance of monetary contributions. These not only help us leverage our
    industry connections to purchase food at lower costs and distribute it more
    efficiently but also support FBSG programs aimed at minimizing food waste and
    maximizing impact.

What are the economic benefits of reducing food waste?
  • Reducing food waste offers several economic advantages. It helps businesses lower disposal costs and maximizes the use of resources within the supply chain, improving overall
  • On an individual level, buying only what is needed and using it before it expires helps prevent unnecessary spending and optimizes household budgets. Planning meals and purchasing smaller quantities reduces waste and encourages mindful shopping. This allows individuals to stretch their dollars and redirect funds toward other essentials or healthier food options. efficiency. 
What innovative solutions are needed to fight food waste?

Key areas for innovation include developing real-time technology to better match surplus food with those in need, creating cost-effective transport solutions to improve logistics, and incorporating AI to streamline and optimize operations for greater efficiency and impact.

How can people become more aware of their food waste habits?
  • Everyone can start by making small changes, such as practicing mindful grocery shopping and meal planning. Learning about the environmental and societal impacts of food waste helps raise awareness. Participating in workshops and initiatives that promote food waste reduction can also encourage sustainable habits on a global scale.

 

Volunteer with us

Make a Difference

Get involved in our work to improve food security and sustainability in Singapore.  Our committed team works tirelessly to assist those in need, and we welcome individuals and groups eager to contribute. 

Passionate about doing your bit to prevent perfectly good and edible food from going into the landfill? Volunteering with us gives you avenues to contribute to his cause. 

Regardless of your skills or availability, there’s a role for you! Join us and make a tangible difference in your community. Sign up to volunteer today and be a part of a truly impactful cause.