Naju City Supports 'Companion Plants' for 120 Middle-Aged and Older Single-Person Households

Naju City in Jeollanam-do is sharing companion plants to provide emotional support for middle-aged and older households at risk of social isolation.

Naju City (Mayor Yoon Byeong-tae) announced on the 31st that, together with the Naju City Community Security Council (Chairman Hong Cheol-sik), it will promote the companion plant growing project "Nice to Meet You, Healing" targeting 120 single middle-aged and older households.

Naju City, together with the Naju Community Social Security Council, is promoting the pet plant growing project "Nice to Meet You, Healing" targeting 120 single middle-aged and older households.
[Photo by Naju City]

The two organizations will select 40 single-person households aged 41 to 65 with an income below 100% of the median income each quarter and provide companion plants three times per household.

The project budget amounts to approximately 3.6 million KRW, utilizing designated donations from the Jeonnam Social Welfare Community Chest for Naju City.

Companion plants are easy for anyone to grow and not only improve the landscape atmosphere but also have air-purifying functions, which are expected to contribute to daily vitality.

One participant said, "This opportunity allowed me to think about the meaning of companionship," and added, "I gained small joys through a kit format that lets me plant and experience it myself."

Hong Cheol-sik, chairman of the Naju City Community Security Council, said, "I hope companion plants become another family member and friend, helping the emotional stability of single-person households," and added, "We will continue to promote projects that, though small, can support neighbors in need."

Naju = Kim Yuk-bong, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr