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Food Crisis Survival: What Our Grandparents Knew That We Forgot

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Food scarcity is becoming a real challenge, but resilience and adaptability can help us get through tough times. Simple habits like growing our own food, cutting down on waste, and sharing within our communities can make a big difference. After all, as Charles Darwin put it, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

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Food is a fundamental necessity for survival, yet in recent years, rising costs and supply chain disruptions have made it increasingly difficult to access affordable and nutritious meals. As Singapore, like the rest of the world, faces an uncertain future due to climate change, economic instability, and global food supply challenges, it is crucial to adopt strategies that enhance food security while upholding resilience, adaptability, and shared responsibility.

One of the most effective ways to ensure food security is by growing our own food. While Singapore is a land-scarce nation, urban gardening has gained popularity, with residents turning to container gardening, hydroponics, and vertical farming. I recall my grandfather sharing stories of food shortages during the Japanese Occupation, when families survived by growing sweet potatoes, tapioca, and leafy greens in small plots of land. They wasted nothing — every part of the plant was used, and even scraps were turned into compost. Inspired by this, I started cultivating herbs and vegetables at my HDB corridor. While it may not provide complete self-sufficiency, it offers a level of food security and reduces dependence on fluctuating market prices. Initiatives like community gardens and urban farms, such as those in Bishan and Jurong, also demonstrate how collective efforts can contribute to a more resilient food system.

Beyond growing food, traditional preservation methods are invaluable in times of scarcity. Techniques like pickling, fermenting, and dehydrating extend the shelf life of food, reducing waste and ensuring a steady supply during uncertain times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I experimented with fermenting vegetables and drying fruits, much like how past generations in Singapore preserved salted fish, dried shrimp, and preserved radish. These age-old techniques, once considered outdated, are making a comeback as people realise their relevance in a modern and unpredictable world.

In addition to food production and preservation, reducing waste is crucial. Singapore generates thousands of tonnes of food waste each year, yet much of it is preventable. Adopting a "zero-waste" mindset by preparing only what we need, repurposing leftovers, and composting food scraps can make a significant difference. Growing up, my family instilled this value in me. We were taught never to waste rice, and if there were extra ingredients, they would be turned into fried rice or soup the next day. Such small habits, when widely adopted, can have a significant impact on household food security.

Difficult times often reveal both the best and worst in people. While some panic-buy and hoard, others show generosity and solidarity. During the early days of the pandemic, grocery shelves across Singapore and many other parts of the world were cleared out. Yet, amid the uncertainty, I saw my neighbours sharing essentials and volunteers distributing food packs to the elderly and low-income families. These moments reinforced an important truth — true survival is not just about securing enough for oneself but ensuring that others do not go hungry.

A mindset of gratitude and adaptability is essential in times of crisis. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we can learn to make the most of what we have. My mother often reminded me of how, in her childhood, a simple meal of rice with soy sauce or egg was considered a luxury, yet they never took food for granted. This perspective helps reduce panic and fosters resilience, allowing us to think clearly and make informed decisions in difficult situations.

As food prices continue to rise and global agriculture faces mounting challenges, preparing for food crises is no longer an option but a necessity. By growing our own food, managing resources wisely, and fostering a spirit of community, we can navigate these uncertain times with resilience. More importantly, we must remember that survival is not just about stockpiling food but about upholding values that define our humanity — compassion, generosity, and adaptability. The way we respond to a food crisis will shape not only our future but also the kind of world we leave for the next generation.

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