At Food from the Heart, we recognise the importance of addressing food insecurity and inequitable access to adequate and nutritious food by communities in need among us. As Singapore's foremost charitable organisation dedicated to efficient food distribution, we are committed to fostering a compassionate community that cares for one another. In-kind food donation plays a big part in helping us provide consistent, reliable and sustainable food support to children, lower-income families, elderly, and people with special needs. We rely on the generosity of members of the public (like you!) and private organisations to extend a helping hand to help us build a stronger community.
By donating to Food from the Heart, you not only provide sustenance but also contribute to reducing food wastage. We understand the significance of reducing food waste and strive to ensure that surplus food reaches those who can benefit from it. In addition, your contributions directly impact the lives of thousands, making a positive difference in their daily struggles.
Where to Donate Food in Singapore?
If you are looking to make a meaningful food donation, our food charity in Singapore offers several avenues for you to contribute and support our mission of alleviating hunger and food insecurity. Whichever method you choose, your donation can have a significant impact on the lives of those in need.
Join us in sharing hope, nourishing lives, and reducing food wastage as we foster a compassionate community that cares for one another through food donations in Singapore.
What Type of Food to Donate to Food Banks?
As an independent food charity, in-kind food donations play a vital role in supporting our various programmes. These donations are more than a mere supply of food—they represent a crucial lifeline for individuals facing food insecurity, enabling them to focus on other aspects of their lives and work towards overcoming their challenges.
Our mission is best sustained by a carefully curated food wish list, which we regularly update to meet the specific nutritional needs of our beneficiaries. This list primarily includes foods like:
- Staples: Rice and cooking oil in manageable sizes, ensuring they are easily used by smaller households or the elderly.
- Protein Sources: Canned proteins like chicken and fish, vital for diet diversity and easy storage.
- Healthy Options: Low-sugar variants of popular items such as biscuits and drinks like Milo and tea, which offer comfort without compromising health.
By choosing to donate items from our wish list, you are contributing directly to our programmes, alleviating hunger and supporting those in need.
Criteria for Donation to Food Banks:
- Shelf Life: Items Should have at least three months until expiration to ensure they are ocnsumed while fresh.
- Accessibility: Products should be easy to handle and prepare, considering our beneficiaries' varied capabilities
- Nutritional Value: We prioritise items that contribute to a balanced diet, particularly those that are nutrient-dense, protein-rich and low in sugar, to aid in the health and well-being of most recipients.
Through our 'Donate Right!' initiative, we aim to enlighten potential donors about the impact of their contributions. This initiative underscores the importance of thoughtful donation practices, ensuring that each contribution meaningfully supports the recipients' nutritional needs. Each considered donation helps foster a future where everyone in Singapore has access to the food they need to lead healthy, active lives.
What Not to Donate to Food Banks?
When considering what type of food to donate to food banks, it's crucial to understand that not all items are beneficial or appropriate. At Food from the Heart, while every gesture of goodwill is valued, certain types of donations are less approriate or not as easily utilised.
Items to Avoid:
- Expired and Unsafe Food: Ensure that all food items are within their safe consumption dates. Donating expired food, even with the best intentions, can lead to health risks for beneficiaries.
- Inappropriately Sized Portions: While donating a large sack of rice might seem generous, it can pose practical challenges for individuals, particularly the elderly, who might find it difficult to carry or store such bulky items. Oversized portions can also lead to wastage if recipients are unable to consume the food before it spoils.
- Junk Food and Non-Nutritive Items: Food donations should support a healthy diet. Junk food, such as chips, while appealing, does not meet the nutritional needs of those facing food insecurity. Opt for wholesome, nutrient-dense foods that provide real nutritional benefits.
- Fresh Foods: While fresh produce, poultry, and dairy are highly nutritious, the perishable nature of these items means that they can spoil quickly. Many food banks lack adequatespace for refrigeration, often resulting in food waste.
Is it Better to Donate Food or Money?
When considering how to best support Food from the Heart, many potential donors wonder whether it's more beneficial to provide food donations or monetary support. Both forms of giving play a crucial role in our mission to combat food insecurity in Singapore, and each has its unique advantages.
- Food Donations: Donating what food banks need most, such as non-perishable staples and nutritious canned goods, directly addresses immediate needs. It allows donors to contribute specific items that are in short supply or high demand, ensuring that beneficiaries have access to a diverse and balanced diet.
- Monetary Donations: Cash contributions provide us with flexibility and the means to allocate resources strategically. For instance, financial support enables us to help children in need by purchasing the best food for our School Goodie Bag programme, in bulk and at lower costs. It also helps cover essential operational expenses that ensure food safety and timely distribution.
Whether you choose to donate food items or make a cash donation, your generosity significantly impacts the lives of those facing hunger. Each donation, big or small, helps us sustain and expand our efforts, ensuring that no one in our community has to go without essential nourishment.
Donate Straight to Food from the Heart
At Food from the Heart, we welcome food donations at our office, which is open to accepting food donations 24/7 at our donation box outside our office.
Feel free to drop off non-perishable food items in the box, even when our office is closed. Your contribution helps us maintain a stable supply of essential food items, ensuring that those less fortunate receive regular support and nourishment.
Address: 130 Joo Seng Road #03-01 Singapore 368357
Office operating hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm
Contact no.: 6280 4483
24/7 Community Shop Food Donation Box
At Food from the Heart, we strive to make food donations convenient for our donors. In addition to accepting food donations at our office, we have set up 24/7 food drop donation boxes at each of our Food from the Heart Community Shops. These boxes provide a convenient and accessible way for donors to contribute non-perishable food items to support those in need, even when our office is closed. This helps to keep the kampung spirit alive within the neighbourhood.
Community Shop Food Donation Box Locations:
Community Shop @ Mountbatten
Address: Blk 13 Old Airport Road #01-57 Singapore 390013
Opening Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm
Community Shop @ Boon Lay
Address: Blk 176 Boon Lay Drive #01-366 Singapore 640176
Opening Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9.30am to 12.30pm
Community Shop @ Lengkok Bahru
Address: Blk 55 Lengkok Bahru #01-389 Singapore 151055
Opening Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm
Community Shop @ Punggol
Address: Blk 224A Sumang Lane #01-02 Singapore 821224
Opening Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm
We kindly request that donors refrain from dropping off perishable food items at the donation boxes, as these items should only be donated in-store during the shop's opening hours to maintain their freshness and quality.
Make an Online Food Delivery Donation
At Food from the Heart, we understand that convenience is essential, and we welcome online food delivery donations from generous donors like you. Making an online food delivery donation is a simple yet impactful way to support our mission of alleviating hunger in Singapore.
To make an online food delivery donation, follow these easy steps:
- Choose the food items: Visit your preferred online grocery platforms, for example, FairPrice or RedMart, and select the non-perishable food items listed in our Food Donation Wish List you want to donate.
- Provide delivery instructions: During the checkout process, include the delivery address of our office - 130 Joo Seng Road #03-01 Singapore 368357. Kindly instruct the delivery rider to deliver the items during our office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 am - 6 pm) to ensure safe delivery of the donated items.
By donating through online grocery platforms, you can conveniently contribute to our cause without the need for physical drop-offs.
Thank you for your support!
Food Donation Wish Lists
Community Food Pack Wish List
- Bread Spread
- Biscuits, less sugar*
- Canned Fish/Meat*
- Canned Vegetables - especially beans, mushrooms, peas*
- Canned Mock Meat
- Canned Soup
- Canned Fruit
- Cooking Oil, 1L
- Coffee or Tea, less sugar*
- Evaporated/Condensed Milk
- Malt Drinks, less sugar, e.g. Milo*
- Rice, 1kg or 2kg
- Vermicelli/Bee hoon
*Priority items
Community Shops Wish List (Community Shop Locations Here)
- Assorted Canned Pork Products (Braised Pork, Luncheon Meat)
- Assorted Biscuits
- Canned Fruits
- Canned Fried Dace, Sardines, Mackeral, Tuna
- Coffee in Sachets (All flavours)
- Tea in Sachets (All flavours)
- Milo 3-in-1
- Rice 2.5kg - 5kg
- Cooking Oil 1L
The below items are accepted but can only be donated during shop opening hours:
- Packed fresh fruit
- Chilled Juice/ Milk
- Eggs
*Food from the Heart requires all food donations to be dated at least 3 months before expiry.
Make an Online Cash Donation
We also welcome cash contributions from anyone who wants to be a part of our mission. Our dedicated team will put your online donation towards safe-to-eat food for our beneficiaries and critical operating costs, helping our staff and volunteers battle hunger in Singapore. Make a donation today and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Toy Donation Wish List
(Currently not collecting from the public, keep a lookout on our social media for updates!)
- Sports equipment
- Scooter
- Board games
- DIY kits
- Construction blocks
Collected toys will be distributed to children aged 6-12 years old. New toys are preferred and pre-loved toys in good condition are welcome. We politely request to not receive pre-loved stuffed toys and jigsaw puzzles.
Where to Donate Toys in Singapore
Deliver your toy donations straight to the Food from the Heart warehouse during operating hours.
Address: 130 Joo Seng Road #03-01 Singapore 368357
Operating hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm
For other types of in-kind donations, requests to organise a donation drive for Food from the Heart and further enquiries, please leave us a message here.
We welcome donors to make online cash donations to us. You can make the cash donation via giving.sg, our website or by addressing your cheque to Food from the Heart and mailing it to 130 Joo Seng Road #03-01 Singapore 368357.
