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DBS Foundation Partners KidSTART to Support Nutrition, Mental Wellbeing, and Financial Literacy for Pregnant Mothers

DBS Foundation has joined hands with KidSTART Singapore to launch the DBS Foundation X KidSTART Pregnant Mum & Baby Nutrition Programme, a new initiative aimed at giving infants from lower-income households a stronger start in life, beginning even before birth.

[From left to right] Mr Joel Tan, CEO of KidSTART Singapore, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, Ms Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundationand DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, and Ms Chao Yen San, Board Director of KidSTART Singapore join KidSTART families for a photo at this afternoon’s launch event. This marks the start of a three-year partnership between DBS Foundation and KidSTART Singapore to enhance overall maternal wellbeing for lower-income mothers and in turn, break the cycle of disadvantage to give their infants a better start at life.

Backed by a SGD 6.5 million commitment, the three-year programme will benefit 2,250 mothers, addressing gaps in nutrition, mental wellbeing, and financial literacy to improve maternal health and help infants thrive in their earliest years.

Holistic Support from Pregnancy to Baby’s First Year

Minister Masagos and DBS Foundation and KidSTART Singapore representatives join KidSTART families at a financial literacy workshop, where they picked up practical budgeting and financial planning tips.

Research highlights that a child’s development begins in the womb, with nutrition, environment, and maternal wellbeing influencing brain development and lifelong health. To meet these needs, the programme provides comprehensive care through pregnancy and into the infant’s first year, including:

  • Nutrition Support: Expectant mothers will receive a Mummy Pack with maternal milk, chicken essence, wellness essentials, and educational resources. After childbirth, they will benefit from a 10-day confinement meal delivery, ensuring balanced nutrition during postpartum recovery.
  • Mental Wellness & Financial Literacy: Workshops run by the Singapore Association of Mental Health and SpedGrow will guide families in managing emotional wellbeing and practical financial planning. SpedGrow, a 2024 DBS Foundation grant recipient, co-developed the financial literacy curriculum to help families budget effectively for baby essentials.
  • Grocery Support: Families will receive SGD 300 in supermarket vouchers to ease financial pressures while encouraging healthier, budget-conscious choices.
A DBS volunteer accompanies a family to shop for essential groceries. KidSTART families will receive supermarket vouchers worth SGD 150 (totalling SGD 300 if they attend both pre- and post-natal workshops) which can be used to purchase essential items. This aims to provide some financial relief, whilst encouraging them to apply what they learned about making nutrition- and budget-conscious choices.

Community Engagement at Launch

The programme was officially launched with Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for Social and Family Development, as Guest-of-Honour. Fifty KidSTART families joined DBS and KidSTART representatives, along with volunteers from DBS People of Purpose, the bank’s employee volunteer movement.

Minister Masagos delivering opening remarks at the launch of the DBS Foundation X KidSTART Pregnant Mum & Baby Nutrition Programme, which addresses key gaps in nutrition, mental wellbeing and financial literacy. The programme provides comprehensive support from pregnancy through to an infant’s first year.

The launch featured hands-on workshops, activity zones introducing children to basic financial literacy through play, and information booths on family support schemes such as the Child Development Account.

This initiative marks the latest in DBS Foundation’s efforts to uplift vulnerable communities, reflecting its mission to support long-term wellbeing and progress.

For more information, visit KidSTART’s website.

Irone Kim

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