FAQ

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.

The Food Bank Singapore was founded in 2012 by Nichol and Nicholas Ng with a mission to end food insecurity while reducing food waste in Singapore. To learn more about FBSG click here.

The mission of FBSG is To End Food Insecurity in All Forms in Singapore and the vision of FBSG is is to be the prevailing centralized coordinating organization for all food donations and to play a key role in the reduction of food wastage and food insecurity.

Surplus food is collected from businesses, individuals, and manufacturers. These food is then redistributed to over 370 member organizations, including family service centers, soup kitchens, and social service agencies. FBSG also aims to Implement innovative programs such as the Food Pantry 2.0 and Bank Card Programme , directly connecting beneficiaries to food.

  • Food Donations
  • Monetary Donations: Your generous financial support can make a significant difference. Please donate online via The Food Bank Singapore website or through The Food Bank Singapore’s giving.sg page.

The FBSG Wish List is updated on our social media (Instagram,Facebook,LinkedIn) every month to support our feeding partners, ensuring they receive food that aligns with the needs of their clients and beneficiaries. You can also refer to the attached document for a list of acceptable food donations.

Yes, please email us at volunteer@foodbank.sg before bringing your food donation to the FBSG warehouse. Thank you for your generous support!

We encourage you to donate via any of the bankboxes located islandwide. However if you would still like to donate directly to the FBSG Warehouse, We welcome food donations from the general public directly at FBSG Warehouse. 

Currently, our the FBSG donation page is unable to  support AMEX payments. However, we recommend linking your AMEX card to GrabPay for a seamless donation experience through the GrabPay Wallet.

Yes, you can arrange for delivery to FBSG warehouse from Monday to Friday, between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Please avoid scheduling deliveries between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. For delivery coordination, you may contact volunteer@foodbank.sg.

Visit the Volunteering section on our website to learn more.

Our warehouse volunteer needs depend on the amount of food donations we receive, which can vary. To manage this, we schedule volunteers based on the actual needs at the time, ensuring flexibility and clear communication. By posting the volunteer schedule two weeks ahead and not allowing bookings too far in advance, we can better match volunteer availability with our needs, making sure our resources are used efficiently to support our mission.

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.

We recommend wearing casual, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Please refrain from wearing heels, slippers, or sandals.

Visit the Volunteering section on our website to learn more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

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.

  • 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 fight against food insecurity by volunteering with The Food Bank Singapore. Our committed team works tirelessly to assist those in need, and we welcome individuals and groups eager to contribute. 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.

The Food Bank Singapore operates as a B2B organization, collaborating directly with businesses, community partners, and social service agencies to address food insecurity. As such, we do not provide services to walk-in clients. Individuals in need are encouraged to connect with our network of feeding partners for assistance. View more
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