Improving Accessibility to Higher-Quality Meals for Low-Income Families

Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the increased percentage in food budget that low-income families must bear to access higher-quality meals that are nutritionally adequate; (b) what proportion of the low-income families are taking lower-quality meals on a regular basis on account of finances; and (c) what measures will the Ministry consider introducing to make these meals accessible to lower-income families.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) do not have the data, as there is no universal definition of a high- or low-quality meal.

MOH and MSF adopt a multi-pronged strategy to ensure that lower-income families have access to nutritious meals. To raise awareness, MSF has implemented programmes, such as the "Healthy with KidSTART" programme, to increase access and educate lower-income households on health nutrition. Similarly, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) works with community partners under the Healthy Living Passport Programme, to hold nutrition talks that provide tips on how to prepare affordable and nutritious meals at home.

To enable healthier choices, HPB partners food businesses, under the Healthier Dining Programme, to make heathier meals accessible across different settings and budgets, including at hawker centres and food courts. HPB also works with supermarket chains, under the Healthier Choice Symbol programme, to increase the variety of healthier house brand products, which are typically more affordable.