Doing good through food in Singapore
This content was produced in partnership with Company of Good
From humble hawker fare to fancy Michelin-starred meals, Singapore is home to a wide range of culinary options to suit every palate. Known the world over as a foodie’s paradise, it comes as no surprise that its food and beverage industry thrives off this reputation, with a variety of businesses catering to it. In tandem, there has also been a growing number of organisations that are working in this industry in meaningful ways to alleviate societal problems, while forging stronger connections with employees, partners and communities in the process.
Changing the world, one snack at a time
One such organisation is Boxgreen, a local social enterprise offering “tasty snacks free from artificial flavours and colours”. Driven by the belief that such snacks are “better for the soul, tastebuds, and health”, it incorporates doing good into every part of its operations, be it by sustainably sourcing ingredients or embracing inclusive hiring practices. A portion of its sales proceeds also goes towards empowering ex-offenders through training programmes and employment opportunities.
Boxgreen’s co-founder, Andrew Lim, shared that championing a higher purpose in his organisation has not only attracted talented employees, but also given them added motivation to wake up every day. “Beyond making profit, we believe that businesses can have a positive impact on lives in society. A lot of us spend most of our waking moments at work, so being able to have a higher purpose and meaning to work towards is important. If all organisations were to weave social and environmental goals into their mission, I think the world we live in would be better off!”
As part of SG Cares Giving Week 2021, an annual national movement that “celebrates the spirit of giving and seeks to make giving part of our way of life”, Boxgreen collaborated with Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS) on a limited-edition Christmas Gift Box to raise awareness, pay it forward and spread joy. The effort was an extension of the former’s partnership with Changi Prison Complex and Yellow Ribbon Singapore, through which it conducts food production workshops for beneficiaries and offers them job opportunities upon their release.
“Our plant-based snacks––a crowd favourite––were packed into premium tin boxes, making them ideal as gifts for loved ones. Recipients could then reuse the boxes to spring clean their homes by storing random bits and pieces or even their sewing kits, just like the good old days,” Andrew elaborated. “With an additional SG$8, the gift also included our Good Vibes Deck: a card game of 46 questions and 6 activities that we designed to bring people together through meaningful conversation starters. 100% of the sales proceeds went to PFS for their Angel Tree Project this year, blessing the families of ex-offenders with treats and essentials during the festive season.”
Hospitality with a heart for the community
Food services and facilities management giant Sodexo is also no stranger to doing good. As a global company operating in 56 territories with a total consumer base of 100 million, it strives to use its unique position to make a real difference every day – having launched its own global non-profit network in 1996. Today, Stop Hunger serves millions of meals worldwide and works with local organisations to alleviate hunger and empower communities, supported by a thriving ecosystem of 412,000 employees, clients, consumers, suppliers and partners who contribute to the cause.
Sodexo’s annual Stop Hunger Servathon initiative this year comprised various engagement programmes to address food insecurity and women empowerment in Singapore via The Food Bank Singapore and Daughters of Tomorrow. Even against the backdrop of the on-going pandemic, it was able to mobilise its volunteers and find creative ways to raise funds and engage with the beneficiaries. For example, in conjunction with the ‘Together, Singapore Cares’ National Day campaign, it hosted the Sodexo Servathon Steps Challenge a virtual competition where employees walked over 11 million steps in 30 days. Other partners it frequently works with for similar community-led initiatives include the Mountbatten Vocational School Singapore, Samsui Supplies & Services (Samsui), Lush Cosmetics and Beyond Social Services.
Qi Ni Lee, Cluster Lead of Corporate Responsibility and Diversity & Inclusion at Sodexo, explained, “At Sodexo, we strongly believe in giving back. Through our initiatives, we have been able to galvanise our teams to work together towards a strong, common cause by embedding sustainability and social impact in how we do business. Our employees are excited to take part in the Stop Hunger Servathon activities every year – and it shows! Amid the COVID-19 restrictions of 2021, we managed to contribute 3,000 workhours, involve 150 employees and donate 1,600kg of food.”
Being in the company of leaders
Both Boxgreen and Sodexo were recognised as Champions of Good in 2020 for their dedication and efforts in helping those in need – the third time for the latter. Launched in 2017 as a national initiative under Company of Good, the title acknowledges organisations that are exemplary both in doing good and in acting as multipliers by engaging their partners and stakeholders on a collaborative journey. To date, a total of 97 unique Champions of Good have been conferred – and the community is growing.
On receiving the accolade, Andrew remarked: “Collaboration enables all parties to leverage the strengths of each other to go further, tapping into bigger networks and resources to amplify voices and causes. We are honoured to have been recognised as a Champion of Good, as it provides validation for all the work our colleagues have put in since we started. We remain 100% committed to refining our impact strategy to increase its reach and sustainability in the coming years.”
Echoing his sentiment, Qi Ni said: “We are very grateful for the recognition of our efforts in delivering positive social impact. Due to Sodexo’s unique business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) model, doing good generates a ripple effect both upstream (by encouraging our suppliers) and downstream (by educating and involving our clients and consumers) to do good, enhancing our ability to add value. For companies looking to do the same, embedding doing good into their corporate strategy and culture, with advocacy coming from the very top, will allow various stakeholders like vendors, employees and consumers to align their decisions and actions with it.”
Applications for Champions of Good 2022 are now open. Apply now or nominate a deserving organisation to be recognised as an exemplary leader and multiplier of good at companyofgood.sg/champions-of-good.
About Company of Good
Company of Good connects organisations to do good strategically, sustainably and impactfully. Through its initiatives, like-minded organisations can learn, network and collaborate for good. Company of Good is a part of the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), which is the steward of the City of Good vision for Singapore. The City of Good is a vision of Singapore where People, Organisations and Leaders come together to give their best for others.
http://www.companyofgood.sg
https://www.companyofgood.sg/champions-of-good
