Every year, Singapore tosses out nearly 800,000 tonnes of food. Over in Malaysia, that number piles up to more than 4,000 tonnes a day—and most of it is still perfectly good to eat. The culprits behind those staggering numbers? All too familiar: half-eaten buffets, forgotten groceries, and home cooks who went a little overboard with their dinner portions.
But here’s the plot twist. Instead of letting it all go to waste, food-sharing movements are sprouting up across both countries, reframing discarded food as abundance worth sharing. From community fridges and food-sharing apps to food donation drives, the fight against food waste is no longer just about saving the planet; it’s become a new way to show care. By giving what’s surplus to feed someone in need, communities are performing a powerful act of love—filling not just plates, but hearts too.
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Community Fridges
Across housing estates, community fridges have quietly moved in, yet their presence speaks volumes, spreading the spirit of sharing through every corner of the neighbourhood. Stocked with fresh produce, bottled drinks, and more by those with extra to give, they open doors to anyone in need. In Singapore, Tampines My Kind of Fridge and Boon Lay Community Fridge have become icons of everyday kindness—proof that generosity doesn’t need grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as sharing what’s in your fridge.
Food-Sharing Apps
Digital tools are taking food sharing to the next level. Food rescue apps and donation platforms make it ridiculously easy to connect those with extra to those who actually need it—be it charities, shelters, or even families just down the street. Snap, post, share, and within minutes, unused groceries and leftover meals heading for the bin will make a big difference in someone’s day.
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Food Donation Drives
If there isn’t a community fridge nearby, or food-sharing apps aren’t available, plenty of organisations run food donation drives to turn the surplus in your kitchen into meals for those who need them. Here’s a handy guide to some of the most active organisations in Singapore and Malaysia, making it easy for you to do your bit:
|
Organisation |
What They Do |
How to Get Involved |
|
The Food Bank (Singapore) |
Collect surplus packaged food from individuals and businesses, then redistribute it through charity networks |
Drop off at the Food Bank Boxes in schools, offices, and malls |
|
Willing Hearts (Singapore) |
Operate a soup kitchen, preparing and distributing daily meals to the underprivileged |
Donate food items or volunteer at their main kitchen in Telok Kurau |
|
The Lost Food Project (Malaysia) |
Rescue surplus food from manufacturers, distributors, and supermarkets, then redistribute it to charities and families in need |
Donate, volunteer, or partner to supply surplus goods |
|
What A Waste (Malaysia) |
Connect surplus food from events, restaurants, and hotels to communities in need |
Register to donate excess cooked or packaged food |
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Today, sharing food has become a love language, a way of saying ‘I care’. Every act, whether it’s topping up a community fridge, posting your extra groceries online, or leaving a loaf of bread for a stranger, adds up. And when you do your part, it goes beyond reducing food waste and filling stomachs—it feeds hope, offering comfort the way a hot meal does on a cold day.
Be Part of the Movement with The Market Society
Share how you’ve passed on surplus food, tag @themarketsociety, and use #ShareNotWaste. We’ll spotlight selected stories and publish practical guides to help more good food find good homes.