Today is China's Chongyang Festival, also known as the Day for Elders. It is a day of special importance, reminding people not to take their family and traditions for granted. But the fast growing elderly population poses big challenges. For many elderly people, especially those living alone or with disease, it is difficult for them to prepare meals on their own. In Wuhan City, a man named Zeng Shaofeng has set up five canteens specially designed for them.

'Happy Canteens' serve elderly in Wuhan

Around 11:30 a.m., the elderly start to line up for lunch. Over 20 dishes have been prepared, including lotus soup, vegetables, and brine duck as the top choices.

Seniors blessed by Happy Canteens now exceed 3,000. When Zeng Shaofeng found out that the elderly were struggling just to get three proper meals a day, he got together with his team and opened the first Happy Canteen in 2013. Happy Canteen started to provide three meals for ten yuan per day. Each meal consists of four dishes and one soup.

"I want to live long and healthy. This year, the conditions have improved again," said Grandma Tian, retired worker of Qingshan Shipping Yard.

Over the past three years, the Wuhan government and community centers have exerted support to help Happy Canteens grow. Zeng Shaofeng believes the concerted efforts from all corners of society will help sustain the development of Happy Canteens for the benefit of senior citizens.

"We are focusing on providing meals for the elderly. Afterwards, we will engage in medical care, domestic economy, and spiritual comfort," Zeng said.

Two more Happy Canteens are set to open in Jianghan district and Qingshan district at the end of the year. But for now, Zeng Shaofeng and his team are anticipating for all seniors in Wuhan to have access to at least one Happy Canteen within a reasonable distance of where they live.