Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, Ensures No Child Goes Hungry During Lunar New Year Holiday

Conducting demand survey until the 12th of this month to provide convenience meals and child meal cards

Consistent meal provision for low-income children through Kkum Namu Card and lunchboxes

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) is taking thorough measures to prevent any meal service gaps during the upcoming Seol holiday.

During the Seol holiday, many group meal providers close, making it difficult to smoothly distribute meals to children. Accordingly, the district is conducting a demand survey until the 12th of this month and will provide convenience meals to children in need, as well as issue additional child meal cards that can be used up to 8,000 KRW per day.

The district has been continuously implementing various support measures for children at risk of food insecurity. The support targets children under 18 years old who are basic livelihood security recipients, from single-parent families, or from households with income below 52% of the median income?those who are practically at risk of food insecurity.

First, for children who have difficulty preparing meals on their own, the district issues the ‘Kkum Namu Card,’ which can be used at regular restaurants or convenience stores. A total of 542 children at risk of food insecurity benefit from this, and the card can be used anywhere in Seoul for up to 24,000 KRW per day.

Additionally, for children issued the Kkum Namu Card, lunchboxes have been delivered to each household every Tuesday for those who wish to receive them. In August of last year, the child meal support unit price was raised to 8,000 KRW to ensure balanced meals.

The district also provides financial support to group meal providers such as local children’s centers to facilitate smooth meal support. These group meal providers prepare side dishes and lunchboxes directly, offering children meals that combine taste and nutrition.

Furthermore, during this winter vacation, the district is carefully inspecting 15 child meal provision institutions, checking the hygiene of cooking facilities and the proper management of food ingredients.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, stated, “We are thoroughly ensuring that safe and hygienic meals are provided to children at risk of food insecurity even during this Seol holiday period,” and added, “We will do our best so that children can grow up healthy without worrying about meals.”