Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit today visited the Hong Kong Chinese Church of Christ Grace Elderly Activity Centre to learn more about an anti-epidemic food support programme.

The programme was launched under the Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund) food support flagship project, FOOD-CO.

Mr Sit received a briefing on the programme’s operation and watched a demonstration on how the platform boosts food distribution efficiency with the aid of information technology and data analysis to help people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: "The impact of COVID-19 on our economy has been swift and severe, with the grassroots being hard hit. I am grateful to our service operators for joining hands with the Government and lending a helping hand to people in need through the anti-epidemic food support programme via the FOOD-CO platform.

"The SIE Fund will continue to foster cross-sectoral collaboration to benefit more people in need and promote social inclusion."

Mr Sit then joined volunteers to distribute food packs containing fast food shop cash coupons, fresh food, oatmeal, noodles and canned food to families in need.

To observe proper social distancing during the pandemic, service operators have agreed to register families in need in advance to shorten collection and queuing times.

Mr Sit also encouraged service operators to continue to drive innovative programmes to strengthen social cohesion.