The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced today (3 December) the launch of a new initiative under its Jockey Club Food Assistance Programme. The Food Express Service aims to serve those who have become unemployed or underemployed amid the pandemic, particularly those who have homebound family members or do not have cooking space.

Recipients of the Food Express Service will receive an allowance, enabling them to order meals via an online platform for free for eight consecutive weeks.  To implement the initiative, the Club will provide funding for Hong Kong Christian Service and St. James’ Settlement, and leverage on the established online infrastructure and delivery capabilities of three corporate social responsibility partners in the food delivery industry – Deliveroo, foodpanda and Uber Eats – to transport hot meals from local restaurants to eligible recipients. The initiative expands the geographical coverage and food choice of the Jockey Club Food Assistance Programme, which is particularly beneficial with social distancing measures in place.

“As the pandemic continues to evolve and impact our community, the Club has been stepping up the scope of its relief efforts,” said the Club’s Executive Director, Charities and Community, Leong Cheung. “We have agilely mobilised resources and proactively convened our NGO and online food delivery partners to implement the Jockey Club Food Assistance Programme, which offers innovative and swift food assistance to cater for the diverse needs of recipients.”

The Jockey Club Food Assistance Programme began in September with approved funding of HK$240 million from the Club’s Charities Trust, following a series of Club initiatives to help those hard hit by the pandemic since the beginning of this year.

The programme offers transitional and timely relief to ease financial burdens and provide food to those who have become unemployed or underemployed amid the COVID-19 pandemic and who are not currently receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) and other regular food assistance. Over 70,000 people are expected to benefit.

The programme brings the Club’s total approved funding for COVID-19 relief initiatives to over HK$600 million. The Club’s community contributions have been made possible by the continuation of racing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with tight safety protocols, and by its integrated business model comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution.

The Food Assistance Programme consists of four initiatives designed to provide flexible and targeted support over periods ranging from eight weeks to 12 months:

·         Automated Food Dispenser Service – flexible distribution of cook-chill meals via automated food dispensers located at different districts
·         Food Pack Service – provision of essential food items and tailor-made food packs for beneficiaries e.g. babies and ethnic minority groups
·         Hot Meal Service – offers free hot meals for individuals and families living in underprivileged environments
·         Food Express Service – provides food assistance through online food delivery platforms, in particular for those who are homebound or who do not have cooking space

Since its launch, over 585,400 meals have been provided through the Jockey Club Food Assistance Programme. With the ongoing economic downturn, 89% of applicants indicated that they would have to spend less on necessities including food. To address the urgent needs of the applicants, the average application processing time is four days. 

Mr Chan (pseudonym), who works as a logistics service employee at the airport, is one of the beneficiaries of the Food Pack Service. He is the breadwinner of a family of four. Although he has managed to keep his job his salary has been cut by one-third, increasing his financial and mental stress.  “It was a big relief when I learned that I was eligible to apply for and could receive food assistance immediately. It not only eases my economic pressure but also provides my children with nutritious food,” said Mr Chan.

The Food Assistance Programme is implemented with the support of six NGOs – Food Angel, Food for Good, Hong Kong Christian Service, Hong Kong Women Development Association Limited, Po Leung Kuk, and St. James’ Settlement, and three corporate social responsibility partners Deliveroo, foodpanda and Uber Eats.

Further details can be found on the Jockey Club Food Assistance Programme website https://jcfoodprog.hk, or by calling its hotline at 2596 2789.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2019/20, the Club contributed HK$19.9 billion in duty and profits tax and HK$0.8 billion to the Lotteries Fund. Approved charity donations were HK$4.5 billion. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is also one of the world’s top ten charity donors. The Club is always “riding high together for a better future” with the people of Hong Kong.

Attachment: Jockey Club Food Assistance Programme Factsheet