It’s a sad fact that not everyone can easily afford the everyday items that many of us take for granted.
Economic inequality is an unfortunate part of most societies, and the COVID-19 pandemic has just made things worse.
Fortunately, the community sometimes recognises this and will come together to help those in need, especially in trying times.
Low-income Families Can Benefit from This Bukit Batok Community Minimart
Some 400 low-income families in Bukit Batok will now be able to make use of a new community minimart in their area.
Once part of a bomb shelter, it was launched yesterday after being repurposed into a minimart to aid families with lower incomes.
The minimart also serves as an integrated community service centre known as Jampacked @ Bukit Batok. It was created by Jamiyah Singapore, a Muslim missionary society, and the Bukit Batok grassroots organisations (GROs).
So, how does it work?
Beneficiaries of the scheme will be provided with S$50 in credits every month to spend at the minimart.
Located at Block 188 Bukit Batok West Avenue 6, the minimart will be open from 2pm to 8pm from Mondays to Fridays, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Do note that it will only be for the beneficiaries.
A Credit System Will Track Popular Purchases
The items in the store are provided by Jamiyah Singapore, the Bukit Batok GROs, and corporate partners. The public has contributed donations as well.
Using a credit system, Jamiyah will track which items are popular so they can ensure that they replenish the stock as frequently as necessary.
Jamiyah is considering opening the same concept store, but it all depends on the needs of residents in the area.
Saving Precious Time
This new minimart will not only save money for these lower-income families, but time as well.
Previously, beneficiaries of this initiative had to travel all the way to West Coast or to Jamiyah’s food bank in MacPherson every two months to collect a pre-packed food bundle.
Now, residents in Bukit Batok can head to the minimart whenever they wish and choose the kind of items they want.
Nice.
Family Sets up “Free Minimart”
Earlier this year, during the month of Ramadan, one family in Tampines opened what they called a “free minimart” outside their house.
They placed bundles of different items outside their house, including instant noodles, canned food, packets of Milo, and rice.
They called it an infaq, which refers to a type of charity in Islam that is given without any expectation of reward or return.
“We started this initiative to help those who are less fortunate but do not speak up. This way, we get to reach out to them,” they said.
At a time when everyone is prioritising their health and their loved ones, it’s heartwarming to see the community coming together to help others.
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Featured Image: Facebook (Murali Pillai) ; Google Maps