Tracking Food Insecurity Experienced by some Singaporean Households

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Social and Family Development given a recent NGO finding that more than 10% of Singaporean households have experienced food insecurity (a) how does the Ministry track this issue; (b) whether there can be an update on the steps being taken to address it; and (c) what has been the trend in light of the prolonged COVID-19 situation.

While MSF does not specifically track the number of Singaporean households experiencing food insecurity, Singapore has performed favourably in international comparisons of food insecurity. For instance, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s 2021 report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World estimated that 4.5% of Singapore’s population in Singapore faced at least moderate food insecurity. This was lower than other developed economies like Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

MSF recognises that there are vulnerable groups within our community who require assistance and we support them in a number of ways. Low-income households with difficulties meeting their basic living needs can approach the Social Service Offices (SSOs) for assistance. Those who are eligible for ComCare will receive comprehensive support, which include cash assistance for basic living expenses such as food-related expenditures, employment assistance, as well as support with household and medical bills.

SSOs also link households up with other Government agencies and Social Service Agencies (SSAs) for additional support. Examples include MOH’s Meals-on-Wheels programme, which delivers cooked meals to homebound seniors with limited social support, and MOE’s School Meals Programme for Primary and Secondary school students on the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS). SSOs, Family Service Centres, Community Justice Centre and Citizens’ Consultative Committees also provide interim cash and supermarket vouchers for households facing immediate needs.

As part of the support to households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government distributed grocery and food vouchers to lower-income families under the Care and Support Package and the Community Development Councils Vouchers Scheme. These measures were part of the suite of Budget relief schemes, such as the COVID-19 Recovery Grant, for affected workers suffering income or job loss and helped the lower-income cope with household expenditures, including food expenses.

MSF works closely with our community partners to strengthen support for food insecure households. In 2019, MSF convened a cross-sector Charity Food Workgroup, comprising food charities, Government agencies, corporates and volunteers. The workgroup is developing a food directory and database, and piloting "local food coordinators". The objective of these initiatives is to better identify and match households with food needs to food support organisations, and ensure that beneficiaries receive the correct type and amount of food support that meets their dietary needs.

During the 2020 circuit breaker, the Charity Food Workgroup worked closely with Government agencies, social service agencies, food charities and volunteer groups to ensure the continuity of food support. The SG Cares Community Network subsequently activated agencies and volunteers to proactively reach out to all 50,000 rental households across Singapore. Households that indicated food needs were linked up to further support, including food charities or meal delivery services for those with mobility or health issues. Going forward, MSF will be scaling up Community Link to strengthen support for 14,000 families with young children living in rental housing. We will not only connect families with food needs to food support, but also support them in addressing the underlying causes of their food insecurity, such as unemployment or health issues.

It takes a whole-of-society effort to look out for one another. If anyone encounters a neighbour, friend or family member who needs support, they can call the ComCare hotline at 1800-222-0000 or refer them to the nearest SSO or Family Service Centre for assistance.