Jeonnam Province Resumes 'Village Communal Meal Project'

As Part of 'Post-Corona' Response... Autonomous Promotion by Cities and Counties Considering Local Situations

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province has resumed the ‘Village Communal Meal Service’ as part of its ‘post-COVID-19’ response to reduce the burden on farmers during the farming season.

According to Jeonnam Province (Governor Kim Young-rok) on the 10th, the project was temporarily suspended until last month as a preventive measure against damage caused by COVID-19, but as the number of villages wishing to resume the project increased, it was recently allowed to be autonomously promoted by cities and counties considering farming conditions and circumstances.

The communal meal service targets villages equipped with meal facilities in village halls or senior centers, where meals can be served to 20 or more people.

Villages lacking meal facilities and cooking staff can receive support by utilizing a side dish delivery system.

The village communal meal service is highly appreciated by residents as it reduces the household burden on women farmers, allowing them to focus on farming, while also taking care of the health of the elderly, contributing to the revitalization of community culture.

This year, the province plans to support 1,500 villages, an increase of 50 villages, and increase the annual budget for food expenses and labor costs by up to 2.18 million KRW for more than 25 days.

In particular, it will ensure compliance with social distancing practices to prevent COVID-19, hygiene inspections to prevent food poisoning, and strict storage and management of ingredients, while continuously providing education for cooking staff.

Meanwhile, Jeonnam Province has been promoting the village communal meal service since 2014 to reduce the burden on women farmers who prepare meals during the busy farming season and to prevent residents from skipping meals due to their busy schedules.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.