Studying Correlation between Lower-income Households and Diet-related Chronic Diseases

46 Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry studies the correlation between lower-income households and diet-related chronic diseases; and (b) whether current subsidies for healthier food options are sufficient to ensure nutritional security for bottom-percentile income households.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Studies around the world have consistently shown that lower income households have a higher risk of developing chronic diseases, which are associated with unhealthy diets.

To counter this, the most critical public policy is to ensure universal access to healthcare, education and housing, which are the key risk drivers of poor health. Healthier SG, in particular, ensure access to evidence-based preventive care to all Singaporeans aged 40 and above.

In addition, the Ministry of Health and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) have implemented specific initiatives to improve access to healthier food options.

Under the Healthier Dining Programme, healthier meals are accessible across different settings, enabling availability for all, including at hawker centres, coffee shops and food courts. HPB also works with supermarket chains under the Healthier Choice Symbol Programme to increase the variety of healthier and more affordable house brand products.