Gangwon Land Social Contribution Foundation marks 4th year of food-sharing program

The Gangwon Land Social Contribution Foundation announced Tuesday that it has launched a new round of food-sharing activities in coal industry transition areas, partnering with restaurants supported through its "Jeongtae Yeongsam Matcaeda" program. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the foundation describes the initiative as a social contribution model designed to extend the benefits of small-business support back into local communities.

"Jeongtae Yeongsam Matcaeda" is a foundation program aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of restaurants in Gangwon Province's coal industry transition areas and helping them achieve financial independence. The foundation provides management consulting, facility improvements, recipe development through volunteer contributions from Gangwon Land employees, and general operational support including marketing. The food-sharing component was introduced to put into practice a virtuous cycle in which small-business owners and their communities grow together.

Seven restaurants are set to participate through October, starting with Duwibong Imo Bapsang in Sindong-eup, Jeongseon-gun, and Nakdudong in Hwangji-dong, Taebaek.

On June 5, Duwibong Imo Bapsang invited 25 elderly residents to Jodong 5-ri Senior Center in Sindong-eup, Jeongseon-gun, and served them samgyetang, a traditional chicken and ginseng soup. The foundation supplied fruit and bread from Hi1 Bakery. On Tuesday, Nakdudong provided yukgaejang, a spicy beef soup, to about 100 elderly residents at Sangjang Literature Senior Center in Taebaek. The Gangwon Land Volunteer Corps and the Taebaek chapter of the Korea Entertainment Artists Federation also took part, putting on a performance for the attendees.

"Jeongtae Yeongsam Matcaeda has established itself as a social contribution model that goes beyond simple restaurant support — one that grows alongside the community and puts the spirit of sharing into action," said Kim Ik-rae, standing director of the Gangwon Land Social Contribution Foundation. "We will continue working with participating restaurant owners to spread a culture of warmth and community."

The foundation has completed support for 37 establishments through the "Jeongtae Yeongsam Matcaeda" program since 2018 and has continued the food-sharing activities for four years running.