Recently, community canteens have emerged as a quiet yet impactful initiative in Chongqing, providing elderly residents with clean, affordable, and delicious meals. However, maintaining low prices while operating on slim margins poses a significant challenge, requiring creativity and collaboration from all involved.
With a mission to offer both comfort and nourishment, these “little bowls” are making a big difference in the lives of local seniors. One elderly diner couldn’t hide his excitement while enjoying his favorite dish, the farmhouse-style pork at the communal canteen. “It’s so satisfying!” he exclaimed, highlighting the canteen’s menu as a perfect fit for their tastes.
At the neighborhood canteen in the Tianjiading area of Chongqing’s Liangjiang New District, seniors often gather after meals to chat and enjoy each other’s company. Many of them have busy children who may not always prepare meals at home, making the “neighborhood canteen” a blessing; they can now access hot, delicious food just steps from their front doors.
“It can be tough for seniors to manage cooking alone. If I make too much, I can’t finish it, but if I make too little, I worry it’s not nutritious enough,” said Cheng Chun, the deputy secretary of the community’s party committee. With over 3,000 residents aged 60 and above, he constantly hears calls for easier dining options for the elderly.
To bridge the gap in meal services, the Liangjiang New District Industry Operation Company partnered with the community to repurpose a 320-square-meter government space, handing it over to a professional catering service to establish the community canteen.
“Every day, we provide three meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with a variety of dishes priced between $1 and $30,” explained Lu Xianping, the canteen manager. The canteen implements a model combining affordable options for the general public with discounted rates for seniors. “For instance, a small bowl of vegetarian dishes is only $0.45 for seniors, and a two-ounce bowl of noodles costs $0.75, both of which are $0.30 cheaper than regular prices.”
A frequent visitor, 80-year-old Qing Guifang, particularly enjoys the bone broth dumplings offered at the canteen. “It’s just downstairs! The food is low in oil, sugar, and salt, with plenty of seasonal, healthy options that are tasty and budget-friendly. It warms my heart,” she shared.
Expanding from catering to seniors alone, community canteens have adopted an all-age-friendly approach. Observing this trend, the canteen has attracted a younger crowd, with many young professionals and families dining there on weekends.
“While I can’t take advantage of the senior discount, the variety offered here is much better than overpriced takeout,” said Chen Li, a member of Generation Z. She noted that urban youths are increasingly seeking practical dining solutions, and the affordable, safe meals at community canteens have captured many hearts.
According to Meng Yang, the commercial management supervisor at Liangjiang New District, it’s essential for community canteens to evolve by transitioning from exclusively serving the elderly to being inclusive for all age groups. This not only broadens their customer base but also ensures the sustainability of their services, ultimately benefiting the senior population.
While the primary aim of community canteens is to assist nearby seniors, their offerings should extend beyond meals. At the Yuhigh Health Center, the Yuhigh Technology Industry Group has created a community canteen that centers around integrating medical care with nutrition. This canteen follows the guiding principles of natural health, using seasonal ingredients that align with traditional Chinese dietary practices tailored to the needs of elderly diners.
In addition to nourishing meals, the center has designated areas for card games, reading, and tea tasting, offering cultural and recreational activities that provide mental stimulation for seniors.
Community canteens are quickly becoming sources of joy and satisfaction for residents. With each meal, they add warmth and connection to urban life, effectively supporting the needs of the community.
