Visitors to FoodConnect Directory Website and Plans to Spread Awareness to Those Needing Food Provisions
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the reach and promotion of the FoodConnect Directory website, with Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye inquiring about visitor statistics and outreach strategies for those needing food assistance. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that since its April 2022 launch, the site has averaged 3,400 monthly visits from 860 unique visitors and coordinates support across 27 organisations. The directory has been publicized to frontline social service agencies, grassroots networks, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive coverage while onboarding more agencies. This initiative complements ComCare cash assistance and grocery vouchers provided under the Household Support Package and Budget 2022 to assist low-income households. The Ministry continues to partner with community and corporate sectors to ensure families can connect with food support quickly and conveniently through this digital platform.
Transcript
32 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) since its launch in May 2022, how many unique visitors have visited the FoodConnect Directory website; and (b) how does the Ministry intend to spread awareness of the FoodConnect Directory among those who need food provision assistance.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The FoodConnect Directory enables those with food needs to connect with and receive support from food charities and community organisations, quickly and conveniently. The Directory organises the support provided by 27 organisations by service region, dietary preference, food type, mode of delivery and frequency.
Since its launch in April 2022, the FoodConnect Directory has been visited 3,400 times by 860 unique visitors each month on average. We have publicised the Directory to frontline social service agencies, community organisations and grassroots networks. We continue to onboard more community agencies and groups that provide food support to make the Directory more comprehensive.
The community-based food support found in the FoodConnect Directory complements the Government's ongoing support to address the needs of low-income households. Families on ComCare assistance receive a cash component for food expenses. Eligible households have also received grocery vouchers from the Community Development Councils (CDCs) and under the Household Support Package in Budget 2022. This has helped defray the cost of purchases at supermarkets, hawker centres and heartland merchants.
We will continue to partner community and corporate organisations to provide individuals or families with the food support that they need quickly and conveniently.