Free Meal Service for Low-Income Vulnerable Elderly
Gwangyang City, Jeollanam-do (Gwangyang Volunteer Center) announced that it held the first operation of the ‘Modu愛 Bapcha’ at the Gwangyang YWCA located in Gwangyang-eup on the 25th, in collaboration with Jungma Senior Welfare Center.
‘Modu愛 Bapcha’ is a project designed to provide meals to disaster victims and volunteers for rapid recovery in the event of disasters, and to offer free meals to vulnerable groups at risk of food insecurity in various regions during normal times. Notably, all activities involved in operating the Bapcha are carried out through volunteer work, which holds great significance.
From meal preparation to performances for those waiting for meals, snacks provided after eating, and traffic control around the event site, all efforts are contributed by volunteers.
The volunteer groups participating in the first operation of ‘Modu愛 Bapcha’ included seven organizations with about 50 members: △Gwangyang Chamber of Commerce and Industry △Gwangyang Volunteer Group Council △Gwangyang City Hall Small Volunteer Group △Dongsamo △Saemaeul Traffic Volunteer Corps △Wooroe Jingeomdari △1st Family Volunteer Group.
The Bapcha operation officially began with stretching and singing classes for the elderly who came out early in the morning to have a meal.
On this day, meals were provided to about 100 low-income vulnerable groups (recipients of government aid, near-poverty class, national veterans, etc.) who are eligible to use the YWCA free meal service.
The meal menu consisted of dishes popular among the elderly (black rice, yukgaejang, donggeurangttaeng, spinach namul, kimchi), and to prevent safety accidents, volunteers personally handed out the meal trays.
Additionally, after the meal, volunteers personally prepared and provided snacks that the elderly could enjoy (bungeoppang, puffed rice snacks, waffles, popcorn).
One elderly person who had the meal said, “I was very happy to be able to have a hearty lunch with warm rice and side dishes, which is my only meal of the day,” and added, “I am very grateful to the volunteers who worked hard from early morning for us who are old and weak.”
Jung In-hwa, Mayor of Gwangyang City, said, “I would like to express my gratitude to the volunteers and related organizations who are practicing love sharing in every way for the happiness of Gwangyang citizens,” and added, “Gwangyang City will also spare no support to ensure that Modu愛 Bapcha can be actively operated.”
Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr
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