Food For Thought closes largest outlet

Nearly six years after it opened, social enterprise Food For Thought yesterday closed its largest outlet, at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, after failing to secure a new lease for the space.

The National Parks Board (NParks), which runs the gardens, says Food Paradise Enterprise Holding will take over the space early next year.

Food For Thought’s lease for the 900 sqm space was to have ended in October, but NParks called a tender in April, attracting four bidders including Spize and Wangzai Hongkong Cafe. Food For Thought’s bid of S$8896 (US$6500) for a licence to run the space was the second-lowest, while Food Paradise had the highest bid ($15,015).

Food For Thought is part of The Thought Collective, whose director, Kuik Shiao-Yin, says the space had been put up for tender with new requirements, including the need to focus on local food options “at a lower price point”.

“We were prepared to continue even with the required change of concept,” she says.

At the tail end of its lease 11 months ago, the social enterprise had closed its outlet at the Singapore Art Museum because it had secured a location at the National Museum of Singapore.

Kuik says a “much smaller” cafe, Food For Tots, is in the pipeline. Opening in November, it will be in the new extension of the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, which is part of the Botanic Gardens.

She says the new outlet hopes to run bilingual reading sessions, and is in discussions with social-sector players as to how it can support efforts to meet the nutritional and educational needs of children from less-privileged families.

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.