Hong Kong trials community carer canteens to aid vulnerable groups
A pilot scheme in Hong Kong offers affordable meals to isolated elderly, disabled people and carers at a youth centre. Over 4,000 meals have been distributed, reaching nearly 400 hidden or high-risk individuals. The government plans to expand the initiative across the city.
A pilot scheme to set up community carer canteens in integrated youth service centres during off-peak hours has been launched in Hong Kong, aiming to provide affordable nutritious meals and encourage social integration among vulnerable groups.
The first trial, run by the Hong Kong Chai Wo Association Jockey Club Integrated Service Centre in Aberdeen, has distributed more than 4,000 meals since March, reaching nearly 400 hidden or high-risk individuals and assessing about 350 cases.
Beneficiaries include elderly people living alone, elderly couples, people with disabilities, carers, and children with special needs and their families. Some elderly recipients praised the service as thoughtful and reassuring, noting it is especially convenient for those with limited mobility.
Lam King-lok, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Labour and Welfare Bureau, said the plan aims to reach the “one high, three low” group — high-risk carers with low income, low support networks, and low motivation to seek help. The target groups include elderly living alone, elderly couples, people with disabilities and their families, and parents caring for children with special needs.
He described the canteen as an innovative social welfare model that combines government provision of venues, coordination of private or business funding, and the service experience of social welfare organisations. The government will consult the operators of all integrated youth service centres across Hong Kong to gauge their interest in participating.