Tzu Chi Food Farmacy

Adopting a Plant-based Diet Heals Our Mind and Body, and Protects the Earth

Prevention is better than cure. In recent years, the medical mission of Tzu Chi has focused increasingly on preventive healthcare and health education. Since August 2021, Tzu Chi has invited locals to join its three-week Healthier Me 21-Day Challenge programme, which has significantly improved participants' health through the provision of whole-food, plant-based meals.

As of September 2024, a total of 1,427 people have participated in the programme. Data from the past two years shows that 63% of participants saw improvements in health conditions, including the "three highs" — high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol — and body weight, within just 21 days. This clearly demonstrates that the principle of “Food as Medicine” is effective.

The Healthier Me 21-Day Challenge programme adopts a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet, with no sugar, no oil and minimum sodium in cooking, and follows the principles of whole foods and fully plant-based ingredients.

To further promote a Whole-Food Plant-based Diet, Tzu Chi introduced the Food Farmacy model, which has gained popularity overseas. This initiative has received support from the Ministry of Health Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT) and Yio Chu Kang’s grassroots organisations, culminating in the official launch of Tzu Chi Food Farmacy on 27 October 2024 at Block 121 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3.

Why is "Farmacy" spelt with an “f”?

Traditional pharmacies dispense medicines and drugs that require a doctor’s authorisation. By contrast, Tzu Chi Food Farmacy embraces the concept of "Food as Medicine”. The word "farm" in "farmacy" signals its commitment to sourcing fresh, healthy produce directly from local farmers. This approach promotes wholesome, nutritious eating by making fresh fruits and vegetables easily accessible to the community.

Vision and Mission

Mission

Safeguard life and health with love through Food as Medicine

Vision

1. To be the pioneer in promoting a Whole-Food Plant-based Diet as an evidence-based method to tackle chronic diseases and their complications in Singapore
2. To build a community of health-conscious friends who embrace and adopt healthy plant-based diet
3. To be at the forefront of highlighting the health benefits of a plant-based diet to the medical fraternity in South-east Asia

Eat Healthily and Keep Chronic Diseases at Bay

The National Population Health Survey 2020 report revealed that more Singaporeans are suffering from hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, with a slight increase in the diagnoses of diabetes. These conditions, commonly referred to as the "three highs", are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Reducing oil, sugar, and salt in one’s diet is considered an effective approach to combat the three highs. In recent years, Singapore's Health Promotion Board has launched campaigns advocating for lower sugar and salt intakes.

Many locals overly consume oil, salt and sugar. Not only that, they also have dietary fibre, calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrient deficiencies. Understanding how to consume the necessary nutrients we lack, all while preparing nutritious and tasty meals with no oil, no sugar and minimal salt, has become an urgent priority.

Food Farmacy offers culinary classes as well as health and nutrition seminars to assist modern consumers in their pursuits of a healthier diet. In addition, the distribution of whole fruits and vegetables as well as health coaching are part of Food Farmacy's long-term initiatives.

Courses and Services

According to a 2024 survey by the National Healthcare Group, about 30 to 40% of residents in the Yio Chu Kang constituency where Food Farmacy is located are elderly. While many of them may not be as health-conscious as they could be, they show a strong interest in learning about health and in cooking nutritious meals for themselves or their small families.

Food Farmacy also actively collaborates with healthcare professionals and local farms to connect the supply chain from farm to table, in line with the concepts of “food as medicine” and “preventive health”.

Through a promotional approach that seamlessly integrates with everyday life, Food Farmacy aims to engage more health-conscious residents and foster a healthier, more vibrant community!

Register for Classes and Events

Find out more and get the latest updates from our Facebook page and Instagram account (@tzuchifoodfarmacy):

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