SINGAPORE - Low-income families with infants and toddlers who live in the Central Singapore District can tap a new fund to pay for milk powder.

The Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) has set aside an initial sum of $100,000 for the Formula to Grow Fund.

The cost of milk powder has risen over the years, the council noted. This has affected low-income families with young children, especially those who require special milk formula due to medical conditions.

Ms Denise Phua launched the fund on Sunday, in her first official event as Mayor of the Central Singapore District. The launch, held at MyGym at Djitsun Mall in Ang Mo Kio, was in conjunction with World Milk Day which falls on June 1.

The fund is an early childhood intervention programme to provide underprivileged children with a chance to maximise their development potential, she said.

For a start, about 60 infants and toddlers will benefit.

Members of the public who wish to contribute to the fund may contact the CDC at PA_centralsingapore@pa.gov.sg. Families who wish to get help may approach any family service centre in the Central Singapore District.