“All we are providing is a platform for people to share their goodwill and inspire others to do the same,” says Tan, who came up with the idea about two weeks ago after interviewing restaurateurs for a story on the state of the F&B industry affected by covid-19.

“After sitting around depressed for a couple of days, I decided that being depressed for them wasn’t being of use to anyone,” she recalls, adding that the detail that struck her the hardest after speaking with several chefs and restaurant owners was how sad all of them were at the possibility of closing if the problem persisted even a few more weeks.

“So, I started thinking about how I could be of help, and since I can't do it monetarily (the only people who make less money than people in F&B are writers), I could try to create a movement that would help lubricate the restaurant economy while spreading the good vibes we all need right now,” she muses. With her faith in humanity fiercely intact, Tan is confident in the fact  that if we had to buy someone else a meal for any reason at all, we would be more likely to do it.

Indeed, no one has been spared the uncertainty of this pandemic, but the point it would seem is that solidarity can be found in something as simple as a gifted meal.  

Launched only yesterday, Tan and Lin are hopeful that as this movement grows, they can evolve to help match people in need with benefactors who want to help provide them with wholesome meals.

(Related: Where to Buy Your Groceries Online in Singapore)

For now, they aim to continue to grow the list of restaurants on the MyTreat website. Orders are made directly with the restaurant; all they ask is customers ensure that there’s someone to receive the order. They also encourage givers to spread the good news by sharing stories of their recent deeds on Instagram and Facebook; cute templates can be found on their website.