Old folks in Shandong's city get free weekend meals

The Laishan district of Yantai city in East China's Shandong province recently launched a program that offers free weekend lunches to residents aged 80 and above.

Folks with Laishan household registrations can enjoy complimentary food at four designated cafeterias.

The goal is to address the needs of senior citizens, enhance integrated social services and transform the dining locations into comprehensive service centers for them – ensuring that the district's efforts genuinely meet the needs and boost the spirits of its elderly.

After finishing a meal, senior citizens in Laishan district get some guidance on staying healthy. [Photo by Zhou Wei for chinadaily.com.cn]

Recently Laishan gent Wang Haochun, 92, joined others at one of the designated cafeterias, relishing the well-balanced and nutritious meal.

He wholeheartedly praised the free weekend lunches. "I usually cook a simple meal at home, but here there's a wide variety of dishes and they're delicious," Wang declared.

"Having free meals on the weekends is a pleasant surprise. Life is getting better and better".

In recent years, Laishan district has intensified its efforts to develop cafeterias and social charity restaurants in the area – enhancing the provision of meals and services for senior residents, including both dine-in and home delivery options.

Currently, there are seven designated cafeterias in use, with two newly established this year. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)