Readers discuss an opportunity to prioritise poverty alleviation for the city’s most vulnerable

The financial secretary’s 2026-27 budget, reporting a surplus of HK$2.9 billion in the consolidated account, provides a prime opportunity to prioritise targeted poverty alleviation for the city’s most vulnerable. While the government celebrates a return to fiscal health, our frontline data suggests that the social safety net for the grass roots remains under immense strain.

A recent survey conducted by the Food Commons Foundation between January 21 and February 3, involving 103 beneficiaries – most of whom are senior citizens – highlights a looming crisis.

If community food recovery services were suspended due to termination of government subsidies, 68.9 per cent of these individuals warned that their life stress would surge to a “breaking point”. For our elderly on limited budgets, food recovery is not merely an environmental gesture; it is a critical economic lifeline.

We held a winter seminar on December 20th last year at the Lek Yuen Community Hall in Sha Tin. Despite the chilly wind outside, we were truly touched to see so many residents arrive on time, almost filling the entire venue! Thank you for supporting food conservation and taking care of your health!

January in Hong Kong is an extremely dry month, with humidity dropping to as low as 17%. The chilly north wind leaves skin cracked, and even breathing feels cold. On these quiet and desolate winter nights, the streetlights still shine, and a group of residents continue to toil for a living or seek shelter in this dry and cold environment.

On the driest and coldest nights, the connection between people becomes the most comforting "supply." This bread and lunchbox, delivered by volunteers, is more than just a meal; it's like a warm current flowing into the dry depths of winter.

We cordially invite you to register as a volunteer. Your participation will help these saved foods reach those in need more effectively!

Last night we had a happy dinner with 45 food-conscious old friends and family members in Sha Tin!

The elderly were seen chatting and laughing with their grandchildren while tasting the hot rice noodles of their choice. The scene was filled with happy laughter. What moved us the most was the elders holding the hands of their colleagues and saying thank you. We then tell our old friends: This warmth comes from the generous sponsorship of  "TamJai SamGor Rice Noodles"!

Hong Kong Economic Times 2026/02/21

[Lunar New Year 2026/Lei Seal Cap Recycling 2026/Lunar New Year Food Recycling/Poon Choi Bag Recycling/Peach Blossom Recycling] Many families will use leftover red packets, Lunar New Year foods, Poon Choi bags or even peach blossoms. This year, several environmental organizations also held recycling activities. 

The Food Commons Foundation recycling campaign

Recycling date: from now on

am730 2026-Feb-24

The food Commons Foundation conducted a survey of beneficiaries of the Sha Tin District Food Recycling and Sharing Scheme from January 21 to February 3, interviewing 103 recipients, mainly seniors over 60 and grassroots families. The results showed that the program succeeded in turning limited resources into far-reaching social returns. The Fund calls on the government to affirm the diverse social benefits of such programs when examining resource use and continue support for community food recycling projects.