Granny sells chicken to make an extra income.

Determined Elderly Woman Turns to Chicken Sales for Extra Income

In Singapore, where the cost of living can be high, one elderly lady in her 80s has taken matters into her own hands. To supplement her modest $250 allowance from her son, she has started her own business selling chicken legs from her bicycle. This inspiring story highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of our seniors.

A Unique Business Venture

Every week, this spirited grandmother sells chicken legs and raw chicken from her bike, hitting the streets five days a week. She shared her story with a reporter from a Chinese media outlet, explaining that while she has several children, only one provides her with financial support. Many of her children are not working, leaving her to fend for herself.

Her journey into the poultry business began when she worked as a cleaner at a poultry farm. Now, she personally visits the supplier’s farm to pick up her stock. “I travel to the supplier’s farm and pick them up myself,” she says proudly.

Quality Products and Loyal Customers

The chickens she sells are sourced directly from the farm. Her customers appreciate the quality, with kampung chicken drumsticks priced between $13 and $17, while regular ones go for around $12. Despite the challenges, she manages to sell her stock quickly, sometimes needing to place advance orders to keep up with demand.

Her commitment to transparency is evident as she keeps her supplier’s contact card handy, allowing customers to verify the source of her chicken. However, she admits that her earnings are modest, often making only one or two dollars per bag sold.

Community Support and Independence

Despite her financial struggles, the elderly lady has declined offers of financial assistance from kind-hearted individuals. She believes that her chicken sales provide enough extra income for her needs. Many of her regular customers travel from places like Hougang and Ang Mo Kio just to buy from her, showing the community’s support for her efforts.

To avoid attracting unwanted attention from authorities, she has been cautious, frequently changing her selling locations. A local poultry vendor acknowledged that her makeshift stall has disrupted his business but chose not to confront her, understanding her desire to earn a living.

Health and Safety Regulations

In Singapore, selling food without a license from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is against the law. Recently, the SFA reiterated that food handlers must wear food-grade plastic gloves to ensure hygiene. Concerns about cleanliness have been raised in the past, especially regarding makeshift food stalls.

In July 2013, reports surfaced about domestic workers selling food in unhygienic conditions at PLQ Mall. A maid was seen distributing food boxes, explaining that she was helping a friend sell food for a commission. This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by informal food vendors in Singapore.

A Testament to Singaporean Spirit

This elderly woman’s story is not just about survival; it reflects the tenacity of Singaporeans, especially our seniors, who continue to work hard despite their circumstances. It also showcases the community spirit, as many Singaporeans are willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

What does this say about us as a society? It shows that we value hard work and compassion, traits that define the Singaporean identity.

For more insights on community support and local stories, check out Channel News Asia and The Straits Times.