Mr Gam Kam Weng, 70, who works as a cleaner at NTUC Foodfare foodcourt at AMK Hub

NTUC Foodfare Co-operative

Limited has what is now a popular food kioskstyle operation called Chomp On The Go. These kiosks are for busy workers who have to rush to work and may sometimes miss their meals or breakfast. At these kiosks situated near MRT stations, workers can pick up breakfast, packet meals or snacks for their working day ahead.

Foods sold here are always prepared in a healthier way with low salt, low sugar and low fat content. They also contain no trans-fats. Making sure cooked foods at its outlets are healthier is a top priority for Foodfare which also recently opened two new foodcourts at Sembawang and Simei. In this downturn, there have been calls for Foodfare to expand its social mission of stabilising food prices by extending operations in the city since this recession has also affected workers in the Central Business District.

Elderly get a discount

For the elderly who are also NTUC members, Foodfare extends a special 5 per cent + 5 per cent elderly discount on Tuesdays at all its foodcourts. This has made the impact of the recession a little easier on seniors. On another front, chefs at its central kitchen in Senoko are also able to rise to the challenge of preparing healthier meals for big events at elderly homes such as Ju Eng Home and St Johns.

Foodfare did its bit to promote racial harmony with its halal mooncakes last year. These fusion mooncakes with dates sold well. A mooncakes charity drive also helped to raise funds. Proceeds from the sale of mooncakes at $12 a box were donated to charities.

Training

In terms of expertise in the culinary art, Foodfare has built up a good reputation. Working with Assumption Pathway School, it now provides vocational training for students who are not able to gain entry into any other schools. Foodfare is also able to continue training prison inmates in culinary and food preparation skills to make sure they have a marketable skill. Foodfare was founded in 1995 to help stabilise cooked food prices. Today, Foodfare continues to fulfill this social role by keeping its prices for basic essential beverage and cooked food low and affordable. During good times, Foodfare moderates price increases by setting benchmark prices. During tough times, it takes on the responsibility of helping workers tide over difficulties by absorbing price hikes where necessary.

Foodfare operates ten foodcourts and coffee shops, two food kiosks and also prepares food for nine army camps. It also operates a factory producing retail-packed frozen bakery items and local delicacies, sauces and pastes.

Board of Directors

List of Social Enterprises: