It’s old news that Singapore has one of the highest income inequality gaps in the world. While policy changes are hard to effect and only show results in the long-run, there are many things we can do to help the less fortunate in our day-to-day lives. At these three places, you can help the less fortunate with their meals using pay-it-forward and pay-as-you-wish schemes.
APSN Mystical Café for All
At APSN, not only do they hire people with special needs, they have also launched a Pay-it-Forward initiative to do their part for the less fortunate. Simply purchase a meal voucher and leave it on their blackboard. It won’t be much of a strain on your wallet either as their mains are all affordably priced, with most under $10!
11 Jalan Ubin Blk 4
#01-31
Kembangan – Chai Chee Community Hub
Singapore 409074
Contact: 6346 2425
De Tian Coffee Shop
This coffee shop at Bukit Batok has a generous Belanja-A-Meal initiative. As the word “belanja” (Malay for “treat” or “pay for”) suggests, this initiative allows you to pay for a meal in advance when ordering food. You’ll receive a coloured magnet from the stall owner, which is to be stuck on a colour-coded whiteboard offering various meal options. This meal will be reserved for underprivileged beneficiaries identified by the Bukit Batok East Zone Residents’ Committee. With the price of a meal being only $3.50, cheaper than a Starbucks drink, there’s no reason to think twice about paying-it-forward at this well-intentioned coffee shop!
265 Bukit Batok East Ave 4
#01-405
Singapore 650265
Annalakshmi Restaurant
At this restaurant, pay as you wish and eat as you wish! Annalakshmi Restaurant is the perfect South Indian buffet for those who feel strongly about quality matching the price. Opened in 1986, all their dishes are prepared by volunteers and their slogan reads, “Eat what you want, give what you feel, we believe in you, we trust you”. This restaurant is truly one-of-a-kind!
Although you can pay as little as you want, if you have the budget, we urge you to pay as much as you feel the food is worth or perhaps even a little more. That way, you can contribute to the sustainability of their pay-it-forward cause and offset the amount paid by those who truly need a low-cost meal!
20 Havelock Road
Central Square
#01-04
Singapore 059765
As these three eateries show, you don’t have to be rich or have political clout to help the needy! Do a good deed today by paying-it-forward and supporting these places!
