Core Insights - The Free Lunch Fund, initiated 14 years ago, has significantly contributed to alleviating hunger among rural children in China, providing over 44 million meals to date [8][10][11] - The project has evolved from a simple meal provision initiative to a comprehensive program that integrates education and community resources, aiming for sustainable development in rural areas [13][15] Group 1: Project Overview - The Free Lunch Fund was launched in April 2011 by media figure Deng Fei and over 500 journalists, with the goal of providing free lunches to children in need [8] - As of April 2025, the fund has raised a total of 1.247 billion yuan, supporting meal programs in 1,830 schools across 26 provinces, benefiting over 440,000 children [10][11] - The initiative has implemented a "transparency reform" since 2014, utilizing blockchain technology for tracking donations and establishing a national auditing system [9] Group 2: Technological Integration - The project partnered with Alibaba Cloud in 2019 to develop an AI nutritionist system, which adjusts meal plans based on children's health data, leading to a 23% reduction in anemia rates in pilot schools [9][11] - In 2024, over 90% of donations came from internet platforms, highlighting the role of digital technology in expanding the reach and efficiency of the fund [11] Group 3: Community Engagement and Education - The "Big Tree Teacher Plan" was launched in 2024 to empower rural teachers and transform schools into resource hubs, enhancing educational opportunities for children [13][15] - The initiative encourages active participation from local communities, with teachers using social media to raise awareness and resources for their schools [14][15] Group 4: Future Directions - The Free Lunch Fund aims to deepen its strategies of "openness, connection, and talent" to further integrate rural schools with urban resources and international networks [15] - The project is transitioning from merely providing meals to fostering educational empowerment and community collaboration, indicating a shift towards a more sustainable model of support [15]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transition of Zhan Chengfu from a policy maker to a hands-on operator in the charity sector, emphasizing the importance of practical implementation of policies in the field of public welfare [2][4]. Group 1: Role Transition - Zhan Chengfu describes his shift from being a policy maker at the Ministry of Civil Affairs to the president of the China Social Welfare Foundation, focusing on the real-world application of policies rather than theoretical discussions [2]. - He emphasizes the challenges of this transition, stating that the current role involves tangible actions rather than just discussions [2]. Group 2: Practical Implementation - Zhan shares his experience in Qinghai's Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where he witnessed the impact of the "free lunch" program for children, illustrating that charity is about real benefits for individuals rather than abstract numbers [3]. - The foundation aims to connect various social resources, including government, businesses, and the public, to ensure that donations effectively reach those in need [3]. Group 3: Innovation and Integrity in Charity - Zhan stresses the importance of maintaining the non-profit nature of charity work, advocating for strict adherence to the rule that 70% of funds raised in one year should be spent within that same year to prevent idle funds [4]. - He warns against superficial innovations in the charity sector, insisting that any innovation must be grounded in the core principles of charity [4]. - The foundation is exploring blockchain technology for tracking donations and has partnered with platforms like Alibaba and Alipay to enhance transparency in charitable projects [4]. Group 4: Targeted Charity Initiatives - Zhan introduces the "precision drip irrigation" concept for charity, focusing on specific needs in elderly care and children's welfare [4]. - In elderly care, the foundation collaborates with local communities to implement a "time bank" system, allowing younger seniors to assist older seniors in exchange for points redeemable for goods [4]. - For children's health, the foundation has launched a "rural children's major illness insurance" project to provide secondary reimbursements through commercial insurance, aiming to reduce poverty caused by medical expenses [4].

Core Insights - The Free Lunch Fund, founded by Deng Fei, has made significant contributions to the health and nutrition of 440,000 schoolchildren in China over the past 14 years, emphasizing the importance of providing meals to underprivileged children [2][4][12] - The 14th anniversary event highlighted the fund's achievements, including raising 1.247 billion yuan and serving meals in 1,830 schools across 26 provinces, showcasing its transparency and social impact [4][5][6] - Deng Fei introduced the concept of the Huakai Ridge Public Welfare Theme Village, aimed at addressing grassroots social governance and contributing to rural revitalization in China [3][12] Fund Achievements - As of April 2025, the Free Lunch Fund has raised a total of 1.247 billion yuan, providing meals to over 440,000 children in 1,830 schools across 26 provinces [4] - The fund's success is attributed to its open and transparent mechanisms, which have garnered public trust and continuous donations [6][7] - The initiative has been recognized as a significant contributor to China's social progress and is seen as a model for other charitable efforts [5][6] Future Outlook - The Free Lunch Fund aims to continue its mission of charity and support for vulnerable populations, with a focus on innovation and adaptation to meet evolving needs [7][12] - By 2035, the fund aspires to play a vital role in China's modernization and development, ensuring that its efforts align with national goals [7][12] - The Huakai Ridge initiative is positioned as a key player in addressing rural issues and promoting social innovation through public welfare [12][13]