Tapping Neighbourhood Shops and Minimarts as Social Enterprises

Ms Carrie Tan asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Ministry sees potential in tapping on neighbourhood shops and minimarts as social enterprises or collaborators to deliver last mile and subsidised groceries, caregiving supplies and other services to families who are mobility-compromised and financially-challenged.

Sir, the Ministry is aware of various ground-up initiatives similar to what the Member has described. For example, community partners are involved in providing cooked meals, dry rations and perishables to eligible clients. Some are run in partnership with hawker stall owners and local merchants, and offer lower prices due to support from donors.

These efforts complement Government efforts such as the Ministry of Health's Meals-on-Wheels service which provides subsidised meal deliveries to eligible homebound clients. The Ministry of Social and Family Development has also appointed vendors to ensure that our clients on Long-Term Assistance receive the supplies they need to meet their specific needs. These includes items such as adult diapers and milk feed.

We welcome such community efforts as part of the broader social compact, where those who have done well do their part to uplift those in need.