Launch of vending machines in Punggol Shore brings food, daily essentials closer to residents

The 63 machines are managed by various partners, including retail chain Valu$.

Ms Yeo told The Straits Times that Valu$ was among those chosen so that items could be provided at affordable prices.

At the Block 185 void deck, the four vending machines have been stocked with items from Valu$.

One vending machine has hot and cold drinks, such as coffee and Milo.

Another machine is stocked with daily essentials such as razors, toothbrushes, plasters, shampoo and deodorant, with items priced between 20 cents and $3.

The other two machines sell hot food, snacks and drinks, priced between 60 cents and about $3. The hot food options include nasi lemak, fried rice and abalone rice, which can be heated up with a microwave next to the machine.

Resident Tan Seow Ling, 52, who attended the launch with her 10-year-old daughter, told ST that the hot food was a convenient option for when she is unable to cook meals for her children.

Ms Tan, who has lived in Punggol Shore for eight years, said the nearest coffee shop is a 10-minute walk from her home.

“(Vending machines are) also good for when I am alone (at home) and I don’t feel like walking to get food from the coffee shop,” she said.

Retiree and Punggol Shore resident Diana Yee, 66, said she appreciates the convenience of the vending machines, but expressed concern about whether patrons who consume their food and drinks at the void deck would leave a mess behind.

When asked about such concerns, Ms Yeo said: “We tested this (initiative) to see whether residents are responsible, and it’s been good so far. That’s why we introduced more vending machines.”

Ms Yeo added that Punggol’s grassroots organisations are looking into providing cards for needy families to redeem items from the vending machines in the future.

Plans for this initiative are still in the works, she said.