FairPrice has launched a new initiative where essential items will be sold from a van, at five residential carparks from Apr. 23.

This initiative aims to help minimise shoppers' possible exposure to Covid-19 by reducing the time spent outside their homes, FairPrice said on its website.

Five locations from Apr. 23, list may be expanded

The locations are Commonwealth Link, Telok Blangah Crescent, Telok Blangah Rise, Kampung Glam CC, and Jalan Kukoh.

These were chosen based on criteria such as the number of seniors residing in the area, and the walking distance to the nearest supermarket, FairPrice said.

The vans will be stationed at their respective locations from 9am to 2pm daily.

FairPrice said that the initiative "will expand to more locations if required", and would continue for as long as there is "sizeable consumer demand for the service".

To ensure safe distancing, cones will also be placed to indicate queue spots, which are joined by connecting poles.

It also said that all shoppers were welcome to shop at the vans, and that it was not restricted to seniors.

Items that will be on sale

FairPrice said that the vans would be stocked with the following types of items:

• Rice
• Milk
• Cooking oil
• Bread
• Canned food
• Instant noodles
• Toiletries
• Fruits & vegetables

Prices for these products will be the same as prices in its stores, FairPrice said.

Purchase limits will apply

FairPrice said that the following purchase limits will apply:

Where to find the vans

The details are as follows:

Hotlines for real-time stock availability

FairPrice has also provided a hotline for each of the five locations, "for general queries and to check on the real-time status of stock and queues".

Commonwealth Link: 9668 4059

Telok Blangah Crescent: 9668 4597

Telok Blangah Rise: 9668 4052

Kampung Glam CC: 9817 4170

Jalan Kukoh: 9817 4163

Cash only, no LinkPoints given

FairPrice clarified that only cash would be accepted at these vans, and that its reward system for customers, LinkPoints, would not be given for purchases.

Top image via FairPrice website and Sumita Thiagarajan