The council is giving away 12 000 kg of rice that were donated by the public and Flying Man Fragrant Rice Brand during a rice-raising event held by 95.8FM Capital Radio Station and CDAC last December.

Representatives from the council, including CDAC Executive Director Sam Tan Chin Siong, went door-to-door to deliver 10kg and 20kg packets of rice, depending on the family size and hampers worth $30. Hampers included NTUC Fairprice vouchers and festive goodies.

Said Mr Chain Kon Min, 50, one of the recipients: 'Rice these days is getting so expensive. I'm happy to have so much rice that can last me about two months.'

Mr Chain is a cancer patient who works as a forklift driver earning $1900 a month. On his salary, he supports his family of five, and also his elderly mother.

In all, 550 low-income families will benefit from the giveaway that will be held over two days.