The Hefei National High-Tech Industry Development Zone – located in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui province – has been focusing on meeting the increasing demand of its elderly population for high-quality dining services.

It has done this by establishing a 10-minute meals provider circle.

The initiative includes centralized dining, as well as nearby dining and meal delivery options – boosting the lives of elderly residents and raising their spirits.

A woman chooses what to eat at the Tianle Community Elderly Canteen in the Hefei high-tech zone. [Photo/WeChat ID: hefeigaoxinfabu]

With 34 meal assistance service stations now in operation – including seven community canteens and 27 meal assistance points – over 2,000 meals across the city's communities are being provided each day.

To ensure the quality of the meal outlets, the high-tech zone has adopted a "government investment plus social operations" model.

Specific groups have been targeted for price discounts. Senior citizens aged between 60 and 90 receive a 10-30 percent discount on meals, while low-income elderly individuals receive subsidies ranging from 100-600 yuan ($14-$84).

Moreover, beneficiaries of social welfare assistance and individuals with disabilities also receive a 10-30 percent price discount.

Senior citizens eat at the Shulu Community Elderly Canteen. [Photo/WeChat ID: hefeigaoxinfabu]

From January to November, the high-tech zone allocated a total of 3.97 million yuan in subsidies, benefiting over 1,800 people.

The efforts are said to reflect a commitment to ensuring the elderly population in Hefei receives adequate and high-quality meal assistance services.