Food waste is one of the biggest waste streams in Singapore, accounting for about 11 percent of the total waste generated. But what can be done to minimise food wastage? Check out the list of food banks you can donate to below.
Alright, listen up folks! Let’s chat about something we all do without batting an eyelid: chucking out heaps of food daily. We’re always on the hunt for the perfect family hangout, but when those kiddie meals come gratis, we don’t think twice about leaving the leftovers behind. And don’t even get us started on those casual trips to the grocery store to hoard our beloved snacks. Plus who can resist a posh champagne brunch every now and then? In Singapore, we sure are living the dream.
And yet, there are over 842 million people in this world who are chronically undernourished, while a further 2 billion are suffering from micronutrient deficiencies. A startling statistic made all the more shocking by the fact that 1.3 billion tonnes of unconsumed food are wasted each year. Plus, the Covid-19 pandemic and conflict zones have not made things any easier in terms of world hunger and food wastage. This is a huge global issue, but just like how we tackle saving the planet, slashing plastic, and being water warriors, if we all make small changes, we can make a difference.
In a country as passionate about food as Singapore, it’s high time we dish out some real talk about the colossal issue of food waste. Here in Singapore, around 750 million kilograms of food goes to waste each year – equivalent to two bowls of rice per person daily! Meat, fruit, and veggies…all in the bin. But what’s the solution? Here’s how we can stop food waste and donate excess to food banks in Singapore.
Five ways to stop food waste in Singapore
1. Love your leftovers
Portion control is key when cooking. Often, we’re all cooking too much food in the first place, and we’re guilty of throwing away perfectly good leftovers. Extra roast chicken, for example, can be turned into a fresh, healthy salad or sandwiches for the family the next day (try this great recipe for an easy roast chicken salad). We all need to start getting inventive with our leftovers rather than stuffing them in the fridge with vague good intentions that’ll eventually turn into a pungent, out-of-date smell. And don’t forget that the freezer can be your best friend.
2. It’s all in the planning
Plan and get portion control sussed. If you’re a family of five, don’t cook for a family of 20! If we all cooked what we needed for those at the dinner table instead of over-catering, we would save money and see a lot less food waste going into landfills each month. That’s not all, be sure to pick up only what you need from the grocery store to eliminate getting things you may not end up using.
3. Try composting!
Composting is an eco-friendly way to tackle food waste in Singapore. By transforming organic leftovers into nutrient-packed soil, you’re not only cutting down on landfill waste, but also boosting your garden. Get started with fruit peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells, and watch it all turn into gardening gold. Check out NParks’ tips on composting to get started.
4. Only order what you can finish!
This one can be hard to nail, especially with kids in tow, but it’s best to be mindful of how much your family can finish. We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants and cafes in Singapore, but be sure to order mindfully and clear all of your plates.
5. Donate your canned and packaged goods to a food bank
Those rows of tins and dried goods you have stockpiled in the cupboards but can’t use up? It’s time to donate them. The Food Bank Singapore is one such charity that takes such products, and now supplies more than 300 organisations with daily food rations and meals. Member beneficiaries include soup kitchens, family service centres, schools with children from low-income families, and senior activity centres. Charities with food banks often work tirelessly to collect surplus food to pass on to people who need feeding while also working towards reducing Singapore’s food wastage problem.
First things first: food banks in Singapore encourage people NOT to buy food specifically for donating. Their main objective is to use food that would otherwise be wasted and is probably already lurking in your cupboards. Canned and packaged food (including unopened chips, rice, powder drinks, cereals, etc) are all welcome – just check that they haven’t passed their expiry dates.
Did you know you can donate your excess food conveniently in Singapore? Keep scrolling for the charities with food bank locations across Singapore.
The Food Bank Singapore
Your excess food can be popped into over 80 Bank Boxes located islandwide, including schools, corporate offices, shopping malls and condominiums. They accept unopened, unexpired dry/packaged food items with at least four weeks to expiry. Do not drop in fresh food, half-eaten, opened or expired food in these boxes to avoid contaminating other food donations. Click here for the full list of Bank Box locations.
Lions Home For The Elders
Brought to you by the Lions Clubs of Singapore, Lions Home For The Elders is all about giving love and care to our beloved seniors. Here’s where you come in — you can sprinkle some extra joy into their lives by donating canned goods, sauces and more on any weekday between 9am and 6pm to drop off your donations at these locations:
- 9 Bishan Street 13, Singapore 579804
- 487 Bedok South Avenue 2, Singapore 469316
Food from the Heart
Local charity Food from the Heart has a handy food donation box outside their office, where you can leave non-perishable items anytime, day or night. NOTE: only drop off your non-perishables. Drop them off here:
- 130 Joo Seng Road #03-01, Singapore 368357
Now go plan your meals, sort out your pantry, and donate what you don’t need!
