Make the healthier food option the cheaper one

I refer to the report “Government declares war on diabetes” (April 14).

Eating healthily in Singapore is costly. A 5kg packet of Budget Long Grain White Rice from NTUC FairPrice costs $5.30, while 2kg of Naturel Organic Brown Rice goes for $9.25.

Healthy eating is a choice that those living comfortably can afford to make. But it is not something those struggling to make ends meet consider; the cheaper option, albeit unhealthier, is the chosen one.

I recall an experience my lecturers made my Youth Expedition Project members undergo: With only $2, we had to buy our dinner at a hawker centre. Our concern was what could fill our stomachs for $2 — not healthy eating.

Usually, the less well-off end up with health issues owing to their low- nutrition diet.

This leads to a cycle in which the Government pumps in more money to subsidise the healthcare of lower-income families.

I applaud the Health Promotion Board’s efforts to encourage Singaporeans to pick the healthier food option, but this is typically pricey. I suggest making that option cheaper.

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital’s mixed-rice stall offers brown rice at 30 cents and white rice at 50 cents. I feel this has helped consumers pick the healthy option, as there have been instances when the brown rice was sold out.

The incentive to save money would appeal to consumers, and healthy options would be within the reach of those with tight purse strings.

Businesses that are part of such a programme of providing cheaper, healthier alternatives could obtain government subsidies for the costs incurred. Manpower is Singapore’s only resource; it is worth the cost.