SINGAPORE - The Food Bank Singapore launched a new campaign on Tuesday to encourage needy beneficiaries to eat healthier.

Project Eat Better aims to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating, as well as supplement the charity's usual supplies of rice and canned food with healthier options, including fresh produce.

Founded in 2012 by siblings Nichol and Nicholas Ng, the Food Bank collects and redistributes food to 160 beneficiary organisations that reach 100,000 needy individuals throughout the year. They include people who are elderly and on low incomes.

Last year, it redistributed 157,000 kg of food. This year, the goal is to increase donations by 25 per cent.

A refrigeration truck will enable the charity to collect and distribute more fresh food. Food Bank will also use its funds to purchase healthy food that it does not receive enough donations of, such as oats and eggs.

A cook book will be distributed to beneficiaries later this year with ideas on how to prepare simple meals from commonly donated food items.

Ms Ng said: "For the underprivileged, a lot of them eat instant noodles three meals a day. So maybe you can add to it beans or green peas - it's about cleverly adding things into the food you're already used to eating.

"Food is the best medication for preventable diseases such as diabetes or heart disease. By eating better, we may be helping them to save on future medical bills."