Community canteen serves different social groups

School children dine at the Zhongtie Yunwan community canteen in Qingzhen. [Photo/gzqz.gov.cn]

The Zhongtie Yunwan community canteen in Qingzhen, a county-level city under the administration of Guiyang in Southwest China's Guizhou province, recently began operation.

At 12 o'clock noon every day, the canteen experiences its peak of daily dining. The people who come into the canteen include elderly residents from the community, students returning from school, and migrant workers. Everyone enjoys delicious and hot meals while chatting and occasionally bursting into laughter. Each steaming dish appears rich and tasty, and their prices are affordable.

The 70-year-old citizen Chen Guoneng is particularly happy about the opening of the community canteen. He said that his children are busy with work, and it is inconvenient for him to cook for himself. "Now elderly people can gather and have a satisfying and delicious meal for just over 10 yuan ($1.39)," says Chen.

When constructing the community canteen, Qingzhen city fully considered the physical characteristics and living needs of special vulnerable groups, especially the elderly. The canteen developed customized nutritious dishes suitable for the elderly, and built barrier-free facilities that also feature slip resistant floor tiles, heating, and air conditioning.

The canteen also offers discounted meals for military personnel, low-income families, and disabled individuals. Prices are adjusted based on the age of the elderly, ranging from 28.8 yuan to 9.9 yuan. The canteen provides both dine-in and delivery services, as well as rechargeable card discounts.