MacPherson Residents Get a Delicious Boost!

In a groundbreaking move to support local families, MacPherson has launched a generous $216,000 food initiative, offering subsidized meals at hawker centers. Kicking off on April 12, this program, aptly named "MacPherson Jiak Ba Buay" (Hokkien for "have you eaten"), will provide up to 2,400 households with meal vouchers.

Who Qualifies for These Tasty Vouchers?

To hop on board this delicious initiative, residents must be Singapore citizens with a valid blue or orange CHAS card, or a monthly household income of $2,300 or less. Interested folks can easily register at the MacPherson Community Club to secure their share of the vouchers.

15 Meals, One Voucher Pack!

Each eligible household stands to gain a bundle of 15 vouchers worth $3 each, which can be used to offset meal costs until March 2026. With approximately 137 participating hawker stalls from Geylang East Market and several nearby centers proudly displaying the "MacPherson Jiak Ba Buay" decal, residents are set for a feast!

Fighting Rising Costs, One Meal at a Time!

MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling emphasized the initiative was crafted in response to residents’ concerns over surging living costs, allowing them to eat out with confidence. While there are other schemes like the MacPherson Marketplace offering lower grocery prices, feedback indicated a desire for food options at hawker centers. The vouchers aim to empower residents to enjoy the culinary delights in their community while bolstering support for struggling hawkers.

Residents Are Eager for Vouchers!

The response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with 1,140 applicants already registered prior to the official launch! Locals, like 71-year-old William Tan, are enthusiastic about using their vouchers at nearby stalls, satisfied with the number of vouchers available and happy to chip in a little extra for more expensive meals.

Hawkers Optimistic About Increased Business!

Hawkers are equally optimistic about the program, with Ms. Lim Yen Huan, a kway chap stall owner, already witnessing eager customers utilizing the vouchers within hours of their first issuance. With about 10 patrons coming through her stall shortly after the launch, hopes are high for revived business.

A Future with More Support Initiatives!

Despite MacPherson SMC merging into the newly renamed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC in the upcoming elections, Ms. Tin assured that the current programs will continue seamlessly. Her team is committed to maintaining support initiatives while gathering resident feedback to ensure the measures are genuinely effective.

A Holistic Approach to Community Needs!

Providing a blend of local and broader support, Ms. Tin highlighted the recently launched Caregiver Support Fund as an example of addressing shared needs on a larger scale. The strategy is to design programs at the local level while also rolling out effective solutions across the entire GRC when common challenges arise.