OCBC: A Lasting Partnership in Nourishing Lives and Building Brighter Futures

From supporting essential food programmes to championing community events like Toy Buffet, OCBC Bank has been a valued partner in Food from the Heart’s mission to alleviate food insecurity in Singapore. Most recently, this shared commitment continues through its support of the School Goodie Bag programme for students at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). 

At Food from the Heart, we believe that food security makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives, going beyond meeting basic needs. Behind every food pack distributed and every community supported are partners who share our belief that we nourish lives and futures through food. 

OCBC has stood alongside us over the years, supporting us in nourishing seniors, uplifting families, and empowering beneficiaries with greater choice and dignity. We are grateful for this enduring partnership and the difference it continues to make.

A Partnership Rooted in Care and Community

OCBC’s support has contributed to several of Food from the Heart’s programmes over the years, helping us respond to the diverse needs of vulnerable communities. 

In 2017, OCBC supported our Community Food Pack programme by providing and distributing eggs, adding nourishment to 2,500 families in need through #OCBCCares, the bank’s CSR programme.

In 2019, its support extended to Project Belanja!, which enables vulnerable seniors to redeem cooked meals from participating neighbourhood food stalls. OCBC also funded monthly food packs with kidney-friendly items for renal patients undergoing dialysis, helping meet their specific nutritional needs. 

The following year, OCBC supported another pilot to enhance our food support – the launch of Community Shop @ Mountbatten. Through the Community Shop, beneficiaries choose food items based on their household needs and preferences. This approach upholds dignity, encourages social interaction, and helps reduce food waste.

Building on this support, OCBC continued its contributions to Community Shop @ Boon Lay, enabling Food from the Heart to extend this programme to more households.

These contributions demonstrate how sustained corporate support can help charitable organisations develop practical and responsive solutions to food insecurity.

Nourishing Potential, One School Goodie Bag at a Time

Food security is equally important for young people as they pursue their education and prepare for the future. With access to essential food supplies, students can focus more confidently on learning, personal development and the opportunities ahead.

Food from the Heart’s School Goodie Bag programme provides food support to students from lower-income households under the Ministry of Education’s Financial Assistance Scheme. Each goodie bag contains essential staples and nutritious food items, helping ease grocery expenses for their families while supporting students’ growth and well-being.

With OCBC’s support, we are pleased to extend the School Goodie Bag programme to tertiary-level students at ITE, building on our commitment to supporting youth beyond secondary school.

For ITE students, the journey to independence often brings new responsibilities and aspirations. By easing household food expenses, this support gives families financial relief and students a more secure foundation as they work towards their goals.

More than the food itself, every School Goodie Bag represents care, encouragement and a reminder that the community believes in these students and their potential.

Are you an ITE student interested in receiving School Goodie Bag? Email us to apply.

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Together, We Make a Lasting Difference

OCBC’s longstanding community support is an encouraging example of how meaningful corporate social responsibility goes beyond one-off contributions. For organisations exploring CSR activities in Singapore, partner with us to alleviate food insecurity in Singapore and turn corporate purpose into tangible action, whether through programme sponsorships, financial contributions or corporate volunteering.

To OCBC, thank you for standing alongside Food from the Heart throughout the years. Your generosity has helped us reach more communities, respond to diverse needs and bring nourishment to those who need it most.

We are especially grateful for your latest support of the School Goodie Bag for ITE students. Together, we can help create a more caring and inclusive Singapore, for now and beyond.