Siblings for Change – A Brother Sister Duo Feeding Hope and Reducing Waste.

From left to right: Nichol Ng and Nicholas Ng, the brother-sister duo who founded The Food Bank Singapore. (PHOTO: The Food Bank Singapore)

At the forefront of Singapore’s fight against hunger and food waste, Nichol Ng and Nicholas Ng, a pair of siblings behind Foodbank SG have turned their shared experiences into a powerful initiative. With a vision rooted in compassion, their journey has not only addressed food insecurity but also championed sustainability, inspiring others to join hands in their mission of hope. 

In the heart of Singapore, a brother-sister duo is weaving a tapestry of hope and community through Foodbank SG, a vibrant initiative that turns surplus food into sustenance for those in need. Their journey from personal inspiration to social impact is a heartwarming reminder of the power of family and compassion.

With a shared dream of making a difference, the Ng siblings founded Foodbank SG, the first foodbank in Singapore, drawing strength from the help of local businesses and volunteers to push their vision of ending food insecurity while promoting sustainable food consumption. Their efforts highlight the importance of reducing food waste while nurturing a spirit of giving within the community. By distributing food to those who need it most, they also inspire a collective consciousness surrounding generosity and environmental stewardship, proving that small acts of kindness can indeed create lasting impacts. 

Why Does Food Insecurity and Wastage Matter?

Despite the flourishing economy and high income status of Singapore, income inequality coupled with high food costs prevent the less fortunate from obtaining affordable and nutritious food. The issue of food insecurity continues past financial inadequacy, with the nation heavily depending on outsourcing to acquire food due to limited land contributing to the insufficient local food production. This leaves Singapore’s food security vulnerable to supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, pandemics and climate change. 

While the majority in Singapore can acquire food with relative ease, food insecurity still remains a large cause for concern. According to a research done by Singapore Management University (SMU), 10.4 percent of Singaporeans have suffered some form of food insecurity on an annual basis.

It can be easy to overlook those who struggle to put meals on the table. Many people may be unaware that some Singaporeans are caught in a cycle of poverty, struggling with unemployment, illness, or other circumstances that leave them vulnerable. 

Marketing manager Loke from The Food Bank Singapore articulates this issue poignantly: “In Singapore, there’s actually more than enough food to go around. But the problem is that there is a marginalised group of people facing food insecurity. Many are stuck in situations due to circumstances beyond their control, and they also lack the proper support to help them out.” This lack of awareness among the general public creates a barrier for those who are suffering, further entrenching them in their struggles.

A crowd of locals enjoying their meals at Tekka Hawker Centre,  one of Singapore’s most iconic and vibrant food courts, located in the heart of Little India. (PHOTO: iStock)

Threatening to deepen the problem, food wastage contributes indirectly as it reduces the amount of affordable food in surplus which could otherwise be distributed to feed those in need. When food is discarded, it not only wastes valuable resources but also increases the burden on food systems already struggling to meet demand. As food waste piles up, it is often sent to landfills where it decomposes, producing methane—a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Methane is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period. As food waste accumulates in landfills, the methane emissions increase, exacerbating climate change.

Globally, food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It’s estimated that food waste is responsible for about 6 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions. To put this into perspective: it’s around three times the global emissions from aviation.

Furthermore, based on annual reports conducted by the National Environment Agency (NEA) in recent years, a total of 755,000 tonnes of food waste was generated by the end of 2023, albeit lower than the 817,000 peak observed in 2021, it was still 11,000 tonnes higher than it was five years ago in 2019. 

Empowering Communities through Support and Solidarity

Organisations like The Food Bank Singapore are making significant strides in tackling both food waste and food insecurity. By partnering with large organisations such as FairPrice, they distribute surplus fresh food to individuals and families in need, ensuring that no edible food goes to waste. This collaboration not only helps to reduce food waste but also supports the community by providing essential nourishment to those who are struggling.

One beneficiary of a food drive initiative, Lee Yongwei, a student from Singapore Polytechnic, shared her experience: “There was a period of time when my father lost his job and things were financially tight in my household. Receiving support via food drives from charitable organisations really helped to tide us over.” Her story is just one example of how food banks are impacting lives, demonstrating the power of community support in times of need. 

Such partnerships are vital in raising awareness about food insecurity while simultaneously addressing the issue of food waste. As food banks and community organisations work together, they are creating a safety net for those in need, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food while also encouraging a more sustainable food system.

Food Bank Singapore’s food donation boxes at Northpoint City, one of their many locations islandwide. (PHOTO: Isabel Hah)

Making a Difference: Youth Engagement and Technology

While non-profit organisations and charities may have begun the battle against food insecurity and wastage, it can end with us.

Technology has proven to be a game changer in the non-profit sector, especially in how it adapts to the needs of today’s youth. A prime example is Revital, a team of students from Nanyang Technological University, who was recently crowned one of the winners for the DBS Hungry for Change competition. They utilise their engineering skills to innovate a process that transforms leftover food into recyclable paper cups, promoting a circular economy. 

Daniel Foo, left, and his team members from Revital showcase their innovative cups made from leftover food waste (PHOTO: Nanyang Technological University)

As Daniel Foo, a member of the Revital team, explains: “We didn’t start the project off with a material or product in mind, but put ourselves in a more hackathon-like mindset to understand the main problems—food waste and plastic use—and integrate solutions for both.” This innovative approach not only addresses food waste but has also helped their industry partner, Koufu, reduce waste and environmental impact.

However, the team faced significant challenges in developing and piloting their solution. 

Daniel notes that one of the main hurdles was the tension between innovation and market readiness. “With any new technological advancement, there is a real dilemma of where we fit in the market,” he says.

Revital had to navigate the trade-off between creating a product that meets sustainability goals and ensuring that it is cost-effective and scalable in an industry that often prioritises the bottom line over environmental impact. “The depressing truth of the world right now is that we are not ready to trade off cost for a reduced environmental impact,” Daniel explains. 

Despite these challenges, the team remains committed to pushing for a sustainable alternative, even as they work to overcome technical and cost barriers.

Daniel also highlights how today’s youth are uniquely positioned to tackle big challenges, noting, “There really isn’t a better time than now, when youths are empowered by the connectedness of the internet and the tools at their disposal, to create solutions bigger than themselves.”

So, how can young people contribute to addressing food insecurity and waste in their own lives? The answer lies in the duality of taking personal action and leveraging technology.

Youth can start by being mindful of their own food consumption and waste. Simple steps such as planning meals, buying only what is needed, and creatively using leftovers can significantly reduce food waste on an individual level. Additionally, volunteering at local food banks or participating in community initiatives can make an impactful difference. By engaging with these organisations, youth not only support their local communities but also gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those experiencing food insecurity.

Young people today have the tools, creativity, and global connectedness to transform the way we think about food and waste. Whether it’s through developing sustainable products like Revital’s innovative food-to-cup technology or supporting food redistribution efforts at local food banks, there are endless ways to get involved and drive change.

 The call to action is clear: It’s time for youth to take an active role in reshaping our food systems—not just by reducing waste, but by using creativity and technology to find lasting solutions. The future is in our hands, and it begins with the small choices we make every day. Let’s commit to taking action, embracing innovation, and making a tangible impact in our communities and the world at large.