Free kitchen feeds Shanxi street sweepers

The gratitude has triggered a unique cycle of reciprocity. Many sanitation workers now routinely donate fresh vegetables from their own personal gardens back to the kitchen.

One worker, Yan Shengqin, has even become a kitchen volunteer on her days off, actively preparing meals for her own colleagues.

The project would not be possible without the strong support of local businesses.

"We have been providing fixed assistance to the project since 2022, and have continued to support it for four years now," said Guo Hengshuai, general manager of a local enterprise.

"We value that the free breakfast is truly doing practical things for the people. A group of people has been sticking to doing a meaningful thing for 10 years, and this kind of public welfare atmosphere is extremely contagious," he added.

Guo hopes that more social forces will pay attention and help more people in need.

The local government has also moved to institutionalize the model. The social work department of the Yanhu district government recently upgraded the association's operation center, supplying new industrial kitchen equipment, tables, chairs and volunteer uniforms.

"We've actively promoted and publicized the project, helping the project be rated as one of the top 100 excellent volunteer service projects in the country, and further expanding the influence of public welfare," said Chai Shanwei, deputy director of the department.

For Zhang, the lesson from the past decade is simple: focus on the immediate need first, and let consistency build the movement. With the breakfast program stabilized, the association has expanded its reach, currently managing eight distinct community welfare projects targeting vulnerable children and senior citizens across Yuncheng.

Zhang Ao contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at zhuxingxin@chinadaily.com.cn