Eateries for elderly to expand in Guangdong

A cafeteria for elderly people operates in the Huayuan community of Guangzhou's Yuexiu district in Guangdong province. More such facilities are planned. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Guangdong authorities plan to increase the number of cafeterias for elderly people in the province by nearly 200 — from the current 2,836 to 3,000 by the end of this year.

The canteens, located within communities, provide inexpensive meals.

Some of the new cafeterias will be encouraged to provide a buffet-style arrangement instead of set meals, according to the provincial civil affairs department.

The goal is to make such facilities accessible within 10 to 15 minutes for elderly people in urban areas and within 15 to 20 minutes in suburban areas. The plan is to gradually bring cafeterias to rural areas, with the long-term goal of covering all urban and rural areas by the end of 2025.

Charitable organizations and individuals are encouraged to donate to the project.

Local governments are being asked to provide support for physical space and food suppliers, subsidize the operation and provide favorable water, power and gas supply terms for the sustainable development of cafeterias.

On the demand side, subsidies will be provided locally for meal consumption and delivery.