Daniel Yap: A Silent Hero in Singapore's Fight Against Food Waste

Daniel Yap, leading the charge in food rescue and turning potential waste into community treasure.

Daniel Yap's unassuming appearance belies his substantial impact on addressing food waste and hunger through his organisation, Fridge Restock Community Singapore (FRC). Singapore's food waste problem. He leads the Fridge Restock Community Singapore (FRC), a pivotal organisation fighting food waste and hunger through innovative community fridge initiatives.

A Fortuitous Beginning

Daniel's path to founding FRC started unexpectedly. Owning a grocery shop in Little India, he was familiar with the problem of food surplus. Historically, unsold items went to temples or were discarded. This changed in December 2017 after encountering two freegans inspired Daniel to rethink waste, leading him to preserve unsold produce for regular searching through his shop's waste bin. Their commitment to reusing discarded goods collection by those who could repurpose it.

Expanding During Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the community's struggles, prompting Daniel to extend his food rescue efforts. Recognising the dual opportunity to reduce food waste and address hunger, he began directing surplus produce from the wholesale centre to those in need, ensuring that his actions supported environmental and social causes.

Food Rescue Operations

Under Yap's guidance, dedicated FRC volunteers gather every Tuesday and Wednesday to salvage unsold, "ugly" fruits and vegetables from local vendors. Volunteers sort and clean collected produce, which is then distributed via refrigerated trucks funded by donations to various community fridges across residential neighbourhoods and local distribution points, turning potential waste into nourishment. Daniel's motto, "Food feeds people, not bins," highlights the inclusive approach of FRC, which does not restrict access based on socioeconomic status.

The Impact of FRC

Since its inception, FRC has become a vital community resource. By 2022, the initiative had saved over 301 tonnes of produce from wastage. These efforts are not just about charity but fostering a spirit of mutual aid and empowerment. FRC's approach involves local communities actively and raises awareness through social media and public events, which has helped their mission resonate with a broad audience.

Future Plans and Challenges

Looking ahead, FRC aims to secure a permanent space at the wholesale centre to improve the efficiency of its operations. This move, estimated to cost around S$3,000 monthly, will enable more regular and effective food rescue missions, allowing them to expand their reach.

The Reward of Giving

For Daniel, the most fulfilling aspect of his work is knowing the real-life impact FRC has on residents' lives. Thanks to the initiative, some residents save between S$30 and S$50 monthly on groceries. These savings not only reflect the financial relief provided but also promote healthier living through access to fresh produce.

Daniel Yap's commitment to his cause demonstrates that quiet, steadfast actions can lead to significant societal change, proving that heroism doesn't always need a spotlight to be effective.