Every day, a significant amount of food goes to waste, while many in our community face challenges in putting meals on their tables. In 2023, we launched the Community Fridge Restock initiative to provide communities and individuals in need with unsold but edible fresh fruits and vegetables rescued from our stores for free, through over 20 touch-points across Singapore. This initiative diverts over two tonnes of food a month from disposal.
Our vision is clear, and our goals are threefold:
The Community Fridge Restock initiative is more than just a food rescue programme, it’s a testament to the power of collective action by transforming the narrative around food waste.
Our Community Fridge Restock Initiative started with a simple yet impactful concept: to reshape the narrative surrounding food waste and ensure that the needy in our community have access to fresh produce. To materialise this vision, we formulated a multifaceted strategy grounded in collaboration.
Streamlining Internal Processes
First, we streamlined our internal processes for identifying and collecting surplus produce that, while blemished, are perfectly edible. This ensures a consistent supply of rescued fruits and vegetables, ready to be redirected to those in need. This involved navigating complex inventory management systems and educating staff on new procedures.
Building Community Partnerships
Next, we partnered with People’s Association Residents’ Network and Resident’s Committees to establish a network of strategically located touch-points across Singapore, ensuring efficient, cost-effective distribution. By proactively engaging with our partners, and highlighting the initiative's benefits, we were able to build trust and establish strong partnerships, securing suitable locations for distribution.
Optimising Logistics
To ensure the safe and efficient delivery of produce, we optimised logistics by identifying specific FairPrice stores and collection points within those stores, setting up designated areas to gather the produce, and establishing a regular collection schedule to ensure consistency. We also optimised delivery routes by grouping touch-points by location, and utilised refrigerated vans to ensure safe and timely transportation of produce.
Fostering Volunteerism
The heart and soul of our project lies in our dedicated team of volunteers, including many of our own FairPrice employees. We developed clear volunteer roles and descriptions for various tasks (collection, sorting, delivery, distribution) and utilised online platforms and community block parties to educate potential volunteers about the programme.
Raising Awareness
To amplify our impact, we launched a grassroots public awareness campaign focused on educating the community about food waste and the importance of the Community Fridge Restock initiative. With a shoestring budget for advertising, we relied heavily on the power of word-of-mouth and the compelling nature of the cause itself to generate publicity.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Lastly, we established robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the continued success and enhancement of the initiative:
The implementation of the Community Fridge Restock Initiative has been a resounding success, proving that collective action can create meaningful change in the face of food waste.
In under a year, we've redistributed over 26 tonnes of rescued fruits and vegetables, helping to feed over 25,000 individuals and families across Singapore. This achievement represents countless meals enriched with fresh, nutritious ingredients, fostering healthier communities and reducing the environmental impact of food waste.
Our network of distribution points has also expanded significantly, growing to 21 locations in a year, with plans to reach 47 more locations by the end of 2024, ensuring that fresh produce is readily available to those who need it most, regardless of their location or financial circumstances.
Our social media campaign, run on a shoestring budget and driven by authentic storytelling and community engagement, has reached over 238,000 people and sparked conversations about food waste and sustainable solutions.
The Community Fridge Restock initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and resourcefulness. Driven by the FairPrice Foundation’s mission to help sustain the poor and needy in our community, we are committed to continuous improvement. By continuing to expand our reach, refine our processes, and foster even greater community engagement, we are confident that the initiative, soon to be known as FairPrice Group Neighbourhood Food Share, will continue to scale and create a more sustainable and equitable food ecosystem for all, fostering a sense of togetherness and support within our neighbourhoods.
