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MORE people are turning to grassroots organisations for financial help to cope with the rising cost of living, in particular, the hike in food prices.
A check with 10 Citizens Consultative Committees (CCCs) found that appeals for help had gone up at nine of them over the last few months.
Whampoa CCC chairman Koh Poh Kwang reported that over 50 residents came to request assistance during meet-the-people sessions last week, a sudden surge from the usual 10.
The help will likely come from the government-established CCC ComCare Fund. It enables CCCs and grassroots leaders to provide immediate assistance to needy families, some receiving up to $300 in food vouchers.
A total of $6.25million has been allotted to the CCC ComCare Fund for this financial year.
The Government also recently highlighted three measures to help the needy with escalating food prices: bigger and earlier payouts for those on the Public Assistance scheme; two instalments of growth dividends; and targeted help from the CCCs, which are given a free hand to tailor financial aid schemes.
Two of the CCCs that spoke to The Straits Times said they might need more ComCare funding this year.
Vice-chairman of Punggol Park CCC welfare committee Maureen Chua said her CCC may require about $72,000 this year, more than double the 2007 budget.
Some of the extra funds will go into a new meal programme, where needy residents are given vouchers worth $2.50. The coupons, expected to number 10,000, can be used at about 30 food stalls within Punggol South.
Whampoa CCC will also spend about $12,000 on a similar meal scheme, which is scheduled to start in June.
Chairman of Yew Tee CCC Low Peng Kit said his organisation might need more than the $40,000 it spent last year on helping needy residents. This would go mainly to food vouchers.
Assistant human resource manager Karen Tay, 30, said she has felt the effect of the rising food prices. 'I used to spend $50 a week on groceries, but over the last few months, it has gone up to $70 or $80.'
She noted that prices of milk powder, diapers, rice and bread have risen. Said the mother of two: 'The price increase may not be significant, but when you add up the cost, it becomes a lot more.'
Mr Chai Chon Fah, chairman of Zhenghua CCC, expects more residents to come forward as food prices continue to rise.
'I think some people are ashamed to approach us, but I encourage all of them to come forward if they need help,' said Mr Chai.
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