“I’d like the braised pork”, and “I’d like the braised fish”...The noon of July 20 saw the official opening of the Happiness Canteen of the Elderly Care Service Center in Sanjiangyuan Community, Xiling District. Nearby residents were attracted by the aroma and enjoyed the happy time in the canteen.

　　The reporter saw that there were a variety of dishes for residents to choose in the Happiness Canteen, including eight dishes and one free soup.

　　“It’s much more convenient to eat here than cook at home.” Shui Chengliang and his wife, 78 years old, told the reporter with a smile that they usually cook lunch at home, but they only have three dishes and one soup. It is convenient to eat at the Happiness Canteen, as the dishes are various and the service is really good.

　　According to relevant officails of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Yichang attaches great importance to the meal-aid services for the elderly, focusing on meeting the needs of the disabled, demented, solitary and elderly people who are unable to cook. Based on the principles of “government guidance, socialized operation, public welfare attributes and comprehensive supervision”, great efforts are made by Yichang to promote the construction of a meal-aid service network for the elderly based on the “15-minute elderly care service circles”. Up to now, 132 meal-aid sites, such as the Happiness Canteen for the elderly, have been built in Yichang, providing 262,000 meals for the elderly. (Reporter/Shi Gang, Correspondent/Liu Lirong)