Debated in Parliament on 2 Aug 2022.
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) since its launch in May 2022, how many unique visitors have visited the FoodConnect Directory website; and (b) how does the Ministry intend to spread awareness of the FoodConnect Directory among those who need food provision assistance.
The FoodConnect Directory enables those with food needs to connect with and receive support from food charities and community organisations, quickly and conveniently. The Directory organises the support provided by 27 organisations by service region, dietary preference, food type, mode of delivery and frequency.
Since its launch in April 2022, the FoodConnect Directory has been visited 3,400 times by 860 unique visitors each month on average. We have publicised the Directory to frontline social service agencies, community organisations and grassroots networks. We continue to onboard more community agencies and groups that provide food support to make the Directory more comprehensive.
The community-based food support found in the FoodConnect Directory complements the Government's ongoing support to address the needs of low-income households. Families on ComCare assistance receive a cash component for food expenses. Eligible households have also received grocery vouchers from the Community Development Councils (CDCs) and under the Household Support Package in Budget 2022. This has helped defray the cost of purchases at supermarkets, hawker centres and heartland merchants.
We will continue to partner community and corporate organisations to provide individuals or families with the food support that they need quickly and conveniently.
PAPERCUTS