Another 50,000 elderly people to get food coupons

The HKSAR government will distribute an additional 50,000 sets of breakfast vouchers to senior citizens next month, continuing its caring food coupon programme.

Announced on Friday by Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han and catering sector lawmaker Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, the program will provide each eligible senior with a set of six coupons so they can try signature breakfast sets from different catering groups for just HK$15 each.

This second phase of the scheme builds on the success of the initial rollout earlier this year, which achieved a 76 percent redemption rate among recipients.

The 300,000 new vouchers will be distributed through more than 200 elderly centers subsidized by the Social Welfare Department, with approximately 15 percent of the vouchers reserved for seniors who aren't regular center attendees.

Participating restaurants include some of Hong Kong's most familiar names in casual dining: Café de Coral, Fairwood, Tai Hing, Maxim's, McDonald's, and Ngan Lung Restaurant.

Officials noted the program's particular importance during summer months, encouraging seniors to venture out during cooler morning hours for affordable, nutritious meals.

Cheung, meanwhile, revealed plans to expand the initiative further in October with afternoon tea vouchers, providing additional dining opportunities for elderly residents.

(Marco Lam)