Charity collects bread from all over 100 outlets daily

SINGAPORE - A decade ago, local charity Food From The Heart collected leftover bread and distributed it to about 2,000 beneficiaries.

These days, the number the organisation reaches is about 14,500.

Despite the expanded reach, there are still centres and schools on the waiting list to receive food, says its executive director, Mr Anson Quek.

Food From The Heart has about 1,700 volunteers, who collect bread on a daily basis from more than 100 bakeries and hotels all over the island.

It also collects items such as rice, oil, biscuits and canned sardines, which are packed into goodie bags and distributed.

Mr Quek is proud of the work they do, but more can be done, he says.

"Education is the key to changing food consumption and wastage in Singapore. This should be done at home and in school, discussing themes like abundance versus sufficiency, and taking what we can consume," he says.

Awareness among food and beverage operators could also help, he suggests.

"They should be prepared to advise their customers on the amount of food ordered," Mr Quek adds.

Food From The Heart will be organising a series of campaigns, including contests and food donation drives, to create awareness of the issue.