"Together We Lunchbox" Supported for Over 10 Years
Yangcheon District in Seoul (Mayor Lee Gijae) announced on December 30 that it has received the Minister of Health and Welfare Commendation in the "2025 Child Welfare Service Awards."
The Ministry of Health and Welfare annually selects and honors individuals and organizations nationwide, including local governments, facility workers, and related groups, for their contributions to the advancement of child welfare. The district was recognized for its systematic and continuous meal support policies, with both a public official and the Yangcheon Love Welfare Foundation receiving the ministerial commendation.
Yangcheon District Mayor Lee Gijae (center) and staff members posing for a photo to commemorate receiving the Minister of Health and Welfare Award for Contributions to Child Welfare. Provided by Yangcheon District Office.
The district actively identified children at risk of missing meals by working closely with local community centers and quickly connected them to meal programs tailored to each child's situation. For children who were not eligible for institutional support, the district secured sponsorship funds and provided assistance after review by the Child Meal Committee.
One of the main initiatives is the "Together We Lunchbox" program, which has been operated in partnership with the Yangcheon Love Welfare Foundation since 2015. Through surveys on children's preferences and collaboration with private companies, the program has provided nutritionally balanced and practical lunchboxes, ensuring meals for children at risk of missing meals for over ten years.
"Together We Lunchbox" consists of meal kits, cup rice, milk, and other food packages, which are delivered to households with children who may have difficulty eating during long holidays such as Family Month and major holidays when guardians may be absent.
To address meal gaps that may occur due to the suspension of school meals during vacation periods, the district is also implementing the "Vacation Child Meal Support Program" for about 1,200 vulnerable children in the area. This year, the meal allowance per child was increased.
Mayor Lee Gijae stated, "This award is a collective achievement created by the employees who have quietly carried out child meal support work on the ground, along with the local community that has joined forces. We will continue to closely monitor and strengthen support systems to ensure that no child has to worry about their next meal and can grow up healthy."
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