In the heart of Quanzhou, a humble restaurant has quietly transformed lives through an extraordinary model — serving meals without charging a single cent. Located on South Zhongshan Road in Licheng District, this volunteer-run eatery has offered one free meal a day for six consecutive years to anyone in need, no questions asked. Founded and sustained entirely by volunteers, it has become a beacon of compassion and community support. What drives this unique initiative, and who are the people behind it? Our reporter recently visited to uncover the story.

　　A Morning of Meals and Kindness

　　At 8 a.m., our reporter arrived near the restaurant. Due to ongoing roadwork, the main entrance was blocked. With guidance from helpful neighbours, a route through winding alleys led to the back door — where the heart of the operation was already in full swing.

　　Inside, the kitchen buzzed with volunteers. Some were washing rice, others chopping vegetables — each person fully engaged yet smiling and chatting as they worked. Soon, bowls of fresh ingredients were lined up, ready for cooking.

Volunteers preparing meals

　　By 9 a.m., the lead volunteer chef fired up the wok. The scent of sizzling vegetables quickly filled the kitchen. While rice steamed nearby, the aroma of home-cooked food began drifting outside, where people were already gathering with food containers in hand, exchanging greetings with the volunteers.

　　“Come on, try a freshly fried spring roll!” one volunteer offered warmly.

　　At 9:30, the hot dishes were served. Volunteers handed out meals one by one, each interaction met with words of gratitude. “You’re so kind!” and “Thank you!” echoed as people left with warm meals and warmer hearts.

People queueing for free meals

　　A Volunteer’s Dream Becomes a Community Lifeline

　　The restaurant’s founder, Ms. Zhu — known affectionately as “A Qing” — is in her fifties and has been volunteering for nearly two decades. “When I visited homes, I often saw elderly people rationing one meal into three. It was heartbreaking,” she shared.

　　Inspired by a video of a similar initiative in another city, A Qing asked herself, “Why not start something like this in Quanzhou?” With growing local interest in community-based support for the elderly, her idea quickly gained traction. In 2019, with backing from the Ainanjie Community in Linjiang Subdistrict, she opened the first location on Jubao Street. After it was forced to close due to safety concerns, she rented a new space on South Zhongshan Road — where the restaurant has remained ever since, sustained by donations from the public.

　　Many of the volunteers juggle demanding lives but still find time to help. Ms. Rao, for instance, manages a business and family responsibilities, yet always shows up to serve and deliver meals. “It’s tiring, but seeing the elderly smile makes it all worthwhile,” she said.

　　Among the volunteers is 81-year-old Ms. Zheng, who arrives early every morning to help prep ingredients. “I’m retired and have the time — and I’m glad to spend it doing something meaningful,” she said. Despite her age, she moves around the kitchen with surprising energy. “This place gives me purpose. I feel alive again.”

　　More Than Food — A Space of Care and Belonging

　　“This place is full of love. I feel cared for,” said Mr. Shu, an elderly resident whose children live in other cities. Usually eating just two sparse meals a day, he learned about the restaurant from a friend over a year ago and has since become a regular. “The food fills me up, and the volunteers are so kind. I feel like I belong.”

　　Ms. Cai, in her seventies, is usually the first in line. “I don’t want my two old friends to miss out,” she smiled, referring to a couple in their eighties to whom she delivers food daily. “This restaurant has changed our lives. I hope it can keep helping more people.”

　　Ms. Pan, a former cardboard factory worker with a disability, is currently unemployed. “These meals really ease my burden,” she said. “I’m grateful. When I’m able, I want to give back just like they did for me.”

　　From elderly residents and people with disabilities to migrant workers and the unemployed, the restaurant serves a growing cross-section of those in need. “For some, it’s just a hot meal,” said A Qing. “But for others, it’s a lifeline — a sign that someone still cares.”

　　Even amid neighbourhood construction that has forced other shops to close or relocate, the restaurant continues operating without pause. “We’re here to stay,” A Qing said with quiet determination. “And we’ll keep helping — one meal at a time.”