Purchase subsidies to cover 129 daycare centers, benefiting some 3,100 infants and toddlers
Seoul's Dobong-gu is moving to improve the quality of meals served at local daycare centers.
The district said it will invest about 85 million won (about $56,200) in district funds this year to subsidize non-GMO food purchases at 129 daycare centers.
An estimated 3,100 infants and toddlers are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Non-GMO foods minimize the use of genetically modified ingredients and are considered more natural and safer for consumption.
This year, the district expanded the range of eligible items from a limited selection — previously restricted to products such as gochujang and doenjang — to all foods bearing a non-GMO label.
"We wanted to give daycare centers more options and raise the overall quality of their meals," a district official said.
Subsidies will be distributed on a sliding scale based on each facility's current enrollment. Facilities may purchase ingredients as needed from any supplier, with no designated vendors required.
Going forward, the district plans to inspect participating daycare centers to ensure effective implementation of the project and transparent use of public funds, including checks for any misuse of subsidies.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
