Improving Accessibility to Higher-Quality Meals for Low-Income Families
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the financial challenges faced by low-income families in accessing nutritionally adequate meals and the measures taken to improve food quality accessibility. Ms See Jinli Jean inquired about the increased food budget required for high-quality meals and the proportion of low-income families restricted to lower-quality options due to cost. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung responded that specific data is unavailable due to varying definitions of meal quality, but highlighted a multi-pronged strategy involving education and increased access. Key initiatives include the "Healthy with KidSTART" and Healthy Living Passport programmes, which provide nutrition education and tips on preparing affordable meals at home. Additionally, the Health Promotion Board collaborates with food businesses and supermarkets to offer affordable healthier dining options and budget-friendly house brand products.
Transcript
47 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.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: 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.