Tiny Restaurants Offering Free Meals to the Needy in China
In the bustling cities of China, a heartwarming trend is emerging where small restaurants and food stalls are reaching out to help those in need by offering free meals. This act of generosity, started by a few compassionate business owners, has now spread across the country, including major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as smaller towns.
The story began in Tianjin, where a noodle shop posted a notice last year, inviting anyone without income in the city to come in for a free meal. The notice said: "If you are facing financial difficulties in Tianjin, you are welcome to come to our restaurant. Just tell our staff you would like an 'Act of Kindness Meal' and you can eat without hesitation. In the future, when you are able, please remember to help those around you in need. Thank you!"
Inspired by this initiative, food blogger Li Yifan found seven more such establishments in Tianjin and shared their information on social media, hoping to reach those in need. Li noted that such acts of kindness were uncommon before the COVID-19 pandemic but have since become more prevalent.
This phenomenon is not limited to Tianjin. Restaurants in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and many others have followed suit. Some owners saw similar initiatives in nearby eateries and decided to replicate them, while others were influenced by social media posts. For instance, the owner of a grill in Tianjin, Song Hao, saw a video of a fish grill restaurant offering free meals and decided to do the same, encouraging recipients to "stay strong and live positively."
To protect the dignity of those receiving free meals, many restaurants have established discreet ways to identify them. At a beef noodle restaurant in Tianjin, customers can order a "Number 1 Beef Noodle," which includes extra portions and a bottle of drink, served in the largest bowl. Similarly, other eateries use special meal names or phrases as subtle indicators for a free meal.
Restaurant owners go to great lengths to ensure those in need feel comfortable and respected. Staff at a noodle shop in Chengdu are trained to avoid staring, pointing, or asking intrusive questions. The only difference in service is a gentle inquiry about whether the customer needs more food.
Some restaurants have been inspired by the "Wall of Coffee" concept, where customers can pay for an extra coffee to be given to someone in need. At the noodle shop in Chengdu, customers can donate one yuan to receive a love sticker, which can be redeemed for a free meal. Encouraging messages written on these stickers offer hope and support to those facing difficult situations.
In addition to the unemployed and destitute, many of these eateries also provide discounted or free meals to delivery drivers, couriers, and street cleaners. For example, at a restaurant in Beijing, special "rider meals" are available at heavily discounted prices.
Restaurant owners have noticed an increase in the number of young people seeking free meals in recent years, many of whom are struggling to find work or facing financial hardships. Some recipients share their stories, expressing gratitude for the kindness shown to them. One young man, who ate free meals at a restaurant in Chengdu for several days, later found a job and stopped visiting.
While these acts of generosity bring hope and relief to those in need, they also pose challenges for restaurant owners, who sometimes encounter fraudsters or individuals looking to exploit the system. However, most owners remain undeterred, focusing on the positive impact their initiatives have on those truly in need.
Many of the restaurant owners themselves come from humble backgrounds, facing financial struggles or debt. Their willingness to help others stems from their own experiences of receiving help when they were down. They believe that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life.
As these heartwarming stories spread across social media, more people are becoming aware of and supporting these initiatives. Some visitors even travel from other cities to express their appreciation and support in person. The trend reflects a growing sense of community and mutual support in China, where even the smallest eateries are contributing to making the world a warmer and more compassionate place.
英文改写自《南风窗》微信公众号文章
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