On 9 September, TikTok user @/rootfitnesspt stumbled upon a hidden gem in Singapore—and his video quickly drew attention to an unusual but brilliant concept: MoNo SG, a social enterprise dedicated to fighting food waste through redistribution and education.
In his clip, he walks viewers through shelves stocked with noodles, cereals, snacks, sweets, and even toiletries—all items that would normally be written off due to being near or just past their ‘Best Before’ dates.
Instead of going to landfills, they get a second chance at life through MoNo’s system. The kicker? Buyers do not have to pay per item.
How MoNo’s Box System Works
At MoNo SG, one can grab one of four different boxes: green, brown, white, or blue—and stuff it with as many items as possible from the shelves.
Once a buyer fills their box, they make a contribution based on the box size. That contribution goes directly towards keeping the operation sustainable.
The system is a win-win: pantry staples for a fraction of supermarket prices, and surplus food gets diverted away from landfills.
More Than Just Cheap Groceries
Beyond the thrill of scoring rock-bottom prices, MoNo also tackles something people rarely talk about—the economic barriers to eating healthy.
By redistributing perfectly edible items, MoNo makes it easier for families and students to cook nutritious meals without breaking the bank. On top of that, they regularly run donation drives to ensure underprivileged communities also benefit from their efforts.
Founded in 2022, MoNo is regulated by the Singapore Food Agency and backed by corporate partners, schools, and volunteers who keep the shelves stocked and the mission alive.
Viewer Reactions
Reactions to the video were positive, with many thanking the user for sharing about MoNo. Some users expressed their surprise at not knowing of the place despite being Singaporeans.
Others wished similar initiatives were available in their countries.
The original poster and commenters shared their experiences with MoNo and commended them.
Where To Find MoNo SG
Tekka Place, Basement 1 – Main Building
Open daily, 11am – 9pm
Claymore Connect, Level 1 – Orchard Road
Open daily, 10am – 10pm
Pro-tip: popular items disappear fast, so check their Telegram and Instagram updates before heading down.
Fighting Food Waste, One Byte At A Time
Singapore continues to grapple with food waste, which accounted for about 12% of the nation’s total waste in 2024, according to NEA. The total amount of food waste generated last year was 784,000 tonnes, while the recycling rate remained at 18%.
Initiatives like MoNo are part of a growing ecosystem of creative solutions to shrink that mountain.
Take Yindii, for instance. The app connects customers with F&B outlets looking to clear unsold meals. Instead of tossing perfectly good food, restaurants list it at steep discounts—and you can swoop in for a surprise meal that saves both money and the planet.
Why It Matters
As the TikTok creator put it:
“Food waste is a problem everywhere. In places like this, you can get pantry staples which will help you cook healthier meals for a heck of a lot less money.”
Changing mindsets about ‘Best Before’ dates, shopping sustainably, and supporting grassroots efforts like MoNo could be the difference between throwing out food and feeding families.
So the next time a snack craving hits or there is a need to stock up on kitchen essentials — maybe skip the big supermarket chains. Head to Tekka Place or Claymore Connect, grab a box, and fill it guilt-free.
Watch the video here:
@rootfitnesspt @MoNo Foods is a unique concept in Singapore that aims to fight food waste through education and by redistributing surplus stock. What does that mean for you? You can grab a bunch of pantry staples that’ll make cooking healthier food at home easier for ROCK BOTTOM prices. Find them at: 📍Claymore Connect 📍Tekka Place foodwaste sustainability reuserecycle
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