Canteens fill empty stomachs and hearts

Liu Zongyan, 88, walks to have lunch with fellow senior citizens in a canteen a few minutes from his home, where they are served by volunteers.

"My son and daughter-in-law are both doctors and are always busy," he said. "They worry that I may forget to switch off the gas when cooking. They are relieved because the canteen serves healthy food and the volunteers are friendly."

The canteen in Liurong Street in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province, is one of 952 for seniors in the city, covering many streets and communities.