Deliveroo HK launches initiative to combat food insufficiency

It has partnered with St. James’ Settlement to address the issue.

Deliveroo has partnered with St. James’ Settlement for the launch of the ‘Smile for Food’ programme, which aims to address the issue of food security among vulnerable communities in Hong Kong.

According to local research conducted by St. James’ Settlement FOOD-CO in association with The University of Hong Kong, in 2022 over 60% of respondents from low-income households struggled to afford food and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

The Smile for Food campaign aims to raise a total of $480k to help combat food insufficiency. 300 families from ethnic minority backgrounds will benefit from a supply of approximately 12,000 hot meals.

Qualified families will receive $400 per week in food subsidies for four weeks, totalling $1.6k a month, helping them access ten hot meals per week. In support of World Food Day, and to kickstart the programme, Deliveroo will be matching the first $50k donated, doubling the proceeds.

Powered by the centralised E-subsidy platform CharityToday, the “Smile for Food” programme aims to provide assistance to those in need digitally, ensuring convenience, dignity, and a diverse range of choices for beneficiaries. Prospective beneficiaries can simply download the CharityToday app to apply to the programme and collect the subsidy on their Octopus card. They can also choose from a wide range of restaurants when spending their subsidy.

Additionally, starting this October, Deliveroo customers can make donations in-app or on Deliveroo’s website, allowing customers to round up their totals or make an additional donation when they check out.

“We look forward to partnering with St. James’ Settlement in the “Smile for Food” programme. We believe that everyone has the right to access nutritious meals, and we are thrilled to provide this access through this collaboration and make a real difference to at-risk communities in Hong Kong. We encourage our customers to share the joy of food, and put a smile on the faces of those in need,” Nick Price, Deliveroo Hong Kong's Interim General Manager, said.