Dongjak-gu Expands Evening Meal Lunchbox Support for Children from Age 3 to Age 2 and Above

A total of 46,603 lunchboxes distributed
and well received

Dongjak-gu, Seoul (Mayor Park Il-ha) is expanding the ‘Dongjak-style Children's Dinner Lunchbox’ project to support the healthy growth of children and reduce the childcare burden on dual-income families.

Reflecting the results of a parent demand survey conducted last month, the district has expanded the target group from ‘children aged 3 and above’ to ‘infants and toddlers aged 2 and above’ starting this month to provide lunchboxes.

Park Il-ha, Mayor of Dongjak District, visited a local daycare center in December last year to check the progress of the "Dinner Lunchbox Support Project." Provided by Dongjak District.

Launched nationwide for the first time last year by the district, this project provides high-quality dinner lunchboxes to children in extended daycare classes at local daycare centers when they leave. Thanks to strong parental support, from the project’s inception in March last year until last month, an average of 30 daycare centers and 203 children per month have received a total of 46,603 lunchboxes (cumulative).

The project has received positive reviews for using eco-friendly containers, maintaining freshness (using thermal and cooling bags), offering themed special meals once a month, and snacks once a week. With this expansion, starting this month, 43 daycare centers and 430 infants and toddlers will benefit.

Lunchboxes are supplied according to each child’s attendance day upon parental application. The unit price is 9,500 KRW per lunchbox, with the district subsidizing 7,300 KRW and parents paying only 2,200 KRW. Parents wishing to receive lunchboxes can apply at their child’s daycare center at the end of each month.

The district plans to strictly manage hygiene and safety by conducting dual menu inspections through the Child Nutrition Support Center and lunchbox manufacturers, and by strengthening guidance and inspections by the public health center and meal management center.

Mayor Park Il-ha said, “Through the expansion of this dinner lunchbox support, more children will receive balanced meals on time, and parents will feel reassured. We will continue to implement innovative policies to reduce childcare burdens and create a ‘Dongjak-gu that is good for having and raising children.’”