Happy Canteen established in Daguan county

"The canteen provides us with free meals," said 87-year-old Shi Xianzhi, sitting with a few elderly friends, all smiles. "Since it opened, my husband and I come here every day for lunch and dinner. We are living a comfortable life!"

The canteen mentioned by the elderly is the Happy Canteen in Daguan county of Zhaotong city, northeast Yunnan province.

To address the difficulties faced by elderly people, such as loneliness, empty nests, and old age, Daguan county's Cuihua town has established the Happy Canteen. It aims to solve the problem of for elderly people who are widowed, living alone, or facing other life challenges like cooking and eating.

The canteen operates through a combination of government subsidies and individual payments, serving people aged 60 and above in three local communities. The dining hours are from Monday to Friday (no meals on statutory holidays).

In fact, it operates on a non-profit basis, with age-tiered charges: 8 yuan per meal for individuals aged 60-69, 6 yuan for those aged 70-79, and 4 yuan for those aged 80-84. Individuals aged 85 and above can enjoy free meals.

According to the canteen manager, the oldest diner is 92 years old. Since its opening last year during the Double Ninth Festival, a festival specially for the elderly, the canteen has served a total of 3,860 people, with nearly one-third of them aged 85 and above enjoying free meals.

Source: Daguan Media Center