Hawker stalls such as New Hong Kong at Ayer Rajah Food Centre and Liang Liang Garden at Tiong Bahru Market have been featured by Instagram account Where to Dapao
PHOTO: WHERETODAPAO / INSTAGRAM
Singapore’s shifting from phase to phase may have us largely focused on the number of people we get to hang out with, but there’s a group of people that need our urgent attention. We’re talking about hawkers and other local retailers. Many of these local businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic. Factors like low footfall and the pervasiveness of food delivery apps in our lives have resulted in less earnings for traditional food sellers. While we’ve been using technology to keep up with friends and family, some kind souls have taken the initiative to help digitally disadvantaged business owners in the community. Have a look at how several new platforms have been making life a little easier for them.
Where to Dapao
Like its name suggests, @wheretodapao is an Instagram account that recommends hawkers that you can dapao (take away food) from during these tough times, with the aim of promoting elderly hawkers that are usually not on delivery apps or don’t have a social media presence. This Instagram account features three different hawkers daily, and anyone can submit a recommendation of hawkers in need through its Google Forms link. Where to Dapao has also been working with DLVR.IT and Toyogo to conduct ‘live buys’ using the Instagram live function.
You should check this account out because it’s pretty cool: You can tune in to see these hawkers preparing food in real time and place an order from the hawkers directly. These orders will be delivered by DLVR.IT in reusable containers courtesy of Toyogo (at no extra cost to hawkers), so you can save the hawkers and the earth at the same time.
Find out more about Where to Dapao here.
This interactive map makes it easier to find hawkers near you.
PHOTO: HELP OUR HAWKERS!
Help Our Hawkers! map
As a city that prides itself on its food, the outpouring of support for our hawkers has been heartwarming to see. Reddit user u/waffleboy92 has been putting hawkers on the map, literally, by developing an interactive map of hawker stalls. More than 200 hawkers have been listed so far, and users can easily track digitally disadvantaged hawkers in the vicinity, which can be sorted by cuisine. Each stall listing comes with an address, opening hours and recommended dishes. Some listings also come with details, such as this one for Welcome Muslim Food Stall at Upper Changi Road:
“Elderly man running the stall with his middle-aged son who has several medical conditions; son was away briefly for medical treatment.”
Satisfy your cravings with this convenient and comprehensive directory, at the click of a button. You can help broaden this map by sending in your recommendations through its Google Forms link.
Find out more about the Help Our Hawkers! Map here.
GoodHood SG has also held Food Booth events, which provided free groceries to persons in need.
PHOTO: GOODHOOD SG / FACEBOOK
GoodHood SG
Good neighbourliness is made easy with GoodHood SG, an app that helps people living in the same area connect with one another to request for or offer help. Its user interface is simple, and anyone can make a post or comment, or chat directly with users of the app, no different from how popular social media platforms work. Users can even ask for help anonymously, and those who feel inclined can even make an anonymous donation to help others in need. The app has many useful features, and people have used it to give away extra masks. The physically disadvantaged, for example, have praised this app, as it has helped them find ‘angels’ to help make grocery runs. If you have a bit of time and resources to spare, GoodHood SG is a great way to get to know your neighbours and foster a sense of community during these uncertain times.
Find out more about GoodHood SG here.
Platforms for group buys
You don’t need to be a tech wiz to start your own initiative. Many people have turned to WhatsApp, Telegram and Facebook group chats to organise ‘group buys’ for those living in the same area. Besides saving on delivery fees and skipping endless queues, platforms like Group Buys Sg and Shop On Pickupp are making it easier for Singaporeans to support local businesses and eateries, with affordable delivery rates to boot. Get delicious food delivered straight to your doorstep, with the added satisfaction of knowing that you’re also helping the community.
Find a Whatsapp/Telegram group doing group buys in your area here.
