$600,000 in free vending machine meals for vulnerable residents in South West District

Vulnerable residents in the South West District will be able to redeem value meals from vending machines to help them cope with the rising costs of living.

A total of 80 machines will be progressively deployed at selected locations in the district, primarily at Housing Board blocks, to provide easy access for the residents.

The machines are part of the Value Meals @ South West initiative, a partnership between South West Community Development Council and Select Group.

The initiative was launched on March 9 by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Mayor of South West District Low Yen Ling at the pavilion next to Block 165A Teck Whye Crescent.

As part of its corporate social responsibility and in celebration of SG60, Select Group is sponsoring $600,000 worth of credits to vulnerable residents to buy the meals from the vending machines.

The credits are disbursed through the Taste Asia app, which can then be used to make purchases from the machines.

Other residents in the district can also benefit from the machines, which contain meals priced at $3 and below.

About 80 residents and beneficiaries turned up for the launch and were among the first to taste the meal options from the machines.

The meals include curry chicken, fried rice and butter chicken, as well as sandwiches, cakes and pizza.

Speaking at the launch, DPM Gan said at least 2,000 low-income families are expected to benefit from the initiative.

He added that while the Government expects inflation to ease further in 2025, prices remain elevated and Singaporeans are still anxious.

He said the initiative is an example of how the Government, private sector and community can come together to build a caring society.

"Such efforts by the private sector and the community complement the Government's efforts," DPM Gan said.

"This is a reflection of the Team Singapore spirit, where we work together and support one another to overcome challenges, and those who can contribute more give to those who need more."

Ms Low said the initiative was more than six months in the making, and she had personally tasted more than 10 of the different vending machine meals to ensure they are tasty.

"Even as we prioritise the affordability of these meals, we want to assure you that the quality and nutritional value will not be compromised," she said.

"The vending machines offer a variety of halal meal options. You will find local favourites like wok hei hor fun and fried rice, as well as vegetarian choices."

She added that data would be collected on residents' preferences so that the machines will each be stocked with everyone's favourite foods.

One beneficiary of the initiative is Madam Lim Chwee Lian, a 74-year-old retiree who received $300 in credits to use at the vending machines.

She said the credits would help defray some of the rising costs of living, and the vending machines are especially helpful for those who work late, as they are available round the clock.

She said: "The food is very tasty, and for an old person like me, it's quite a large portion so I'll share it with my husband."

Madam Lim added that even after her credits are used up, she intends to continue buying meals from the vending machines as they are significantly cheaper than those sold at coffee shops.

Also at the event was Ms Chua Wei-Shan, who has been seen walking the ground with the People's Action Party.

Ms Chua told the media that she did not want to answer questions relating to her potentially standing in the upcoming general election as it may distract from the event.

She added that she was there as a member of the grassroots, which she said she has been a part of for more than 20 years.