"Can't Let Everyone Starve" Free Meal Service Suspended... Elderly Gathering at Tapgol Park [Reporter Han Goes]

Some Free Meal Services Suspended Due to COVID-19
Elderly Flock to Tapgol Park Meal Service After Suspension
Volunteers Smile Despite Triple Hardships of Heat, COVID-19, and Increased Elderly
Strict Mask Wearing Urged as Elderly Have Nowhere to Go if COVID-19 Detected at Meal Sites

On the afternoon of the 26th, elderly people are resting near Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr.

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Still, people need to eat. We can't let those people starve."

With the surge in COVID-19 cases and the consideration of raising social distancing to level 3, quarantine measures have been strengthened, leading some free meal centers to temporarily suspend operations. In particular, the 'Bap-Peo Sharing Movement Headquarters' in Dongdaemun, Seoul, which has provided free meals to over a thousand people daily for 32 years, suspended its operations from the 20th until the 2nd of next month.

As a result, some elderly people are flocking to the meal center at Tapgol Park. According to volunteers, about 400 people are currently gathering at the 'Wongaksa Free Meal Center' near Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, which used to receive an average of 200 visitors per day.

The volunteers in charge of meal service were doing their best to follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines while serving hundreds of elderly people in the hot summer. Nevertheless, the meal center staff did not lose their smiles. On the contrary, they said they learned and felt a lot through the process.

A staff member who has been volunteering here for several years said about the influx of elderly people, "It's tough, but we can't just tell them to go back because there is no food. We can't let them starve." When asked if there were enough volunteers, they replied briefly, "It's okay."

The meal center staff emphasized that they are strictly managing concerns about COVID-19 spread, such as elderly people not following social distancing. He explained, "For elderly people without masks, we also distribute masks," and added, "Volunteers themselves are also strictly managing the situation."

Interior view of the Wongaksa free meal center near Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection, the bibimbap that was distributed inside has been changed to distributing rice balls and other items outside. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr.

Due to the resurgence of COVID-19, the meal center also changed its distribution method. Whereas meals like bibimbap were previously served inside the center, now, with the surge in COVID-19 cases, they distribute rice balls and yogurt in plastic bags outside the center.

District office officials were also present on-site, continuously managing the elderly people's social distancing, and temperature checks to detect infection risks were being conducted simultaneously. The elderly sat on chairs spaced one meter apart, waiting for their lunch distribution.

The meal center staff said, "All meal center staff strictly adhere to quarantine rules to prevent COVID-19 spread," adding, "If COVID-19 breaks out here, elderly people would really have no choice but to starve."

When asked if volunteering is exhausting in the hot weather, they said, "As other meal centers have suspended operations, if usually about 200 elderly people came here, now about 400 come. However, the number of volunteers remains the same." They emphasized, "Still, we work with a joyful heart. We learn a lot through volunteering."

On the afternoon of the 26th, elderly people are resting near Tapgol Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, while maintaining social distancing measures. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr.

The elderly also did not forget their gratitude toward the volunteers. A man in his 70s met in front of the meal center said, "I have been using the free meal service for a long time, and I always feel thankful." He added, "These days, with COVID-19, everyone is having a hard time, so I feel even more sorry."

Another elderly man in his 60s who uses the meal center said, "The meals are important, but also having someone to talk to is very appreciated from our (elderly) perspective." He added, "I heard other meal centers have closed, but this one hasn't mentioned suspension yet, maybe because they manage well. That is also something to be thankful for."

Passersby near the meal center also expressed their gratitude to the volunteers. Kim, a university student in his 20s, said, "I heard about this through the news," adding, "It seems like a lot of hard work in the hot summer." He continued, "I am always thankful. Please be careful of COVID-19 and stay healthy."

Park, an office worker in his 30s, said, "Seeing those volunteers gives me strength," emphasizing, "I think we can overcome COVID-19 quickly." He added, "I always thought they were truly admirable when passing by, and I want to say 'thank you'."

Meanwhile, a volunteer at the meal center urged citizens to follow quarantine rules, as the spread of COVID-19 could prevent vulnerable groups from getting meals.

The staff member said, "If COVID-19 occurs around the meal center, not only will the meal center have to suspend operations, but vulnerable groups like elderly people who rely on meals will not be able to receive food," and repeatedly urged, "It will be difficult, but please make sure to wear masks."

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