Emart is expanding its food support for vulnerable groups in Gyeonggi Province from processed foods to fresh produce.
On September 22, Emart announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding for the 'Fresh Just Dream' initiative at the Gwangmyeong Food Bank Market Center in Gyeonggi Province. The company will provide a total of 600 million won ($450,000) over three years, contributing 200 million won annually starting this year.
Attendees at the signing ceremony included Emart CEO Han Chae-yang, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, Gwangmyeong Mayor Park Seung-won, and Jeon Chang-ho, head of the Gyeonggi Social Welfare Council.
The Fresh Just Dream initiative will use Emart's funding to purchase organic produce from the Gyeonggi region and distribute it to users of the province's welfare program, Just Dream. This program allows residents facing financial difficulties to receive food and essential items without the need for income verification or complicated application processes.
The Gyeonggi Social Welfare Council will collaborate with the Gyeonggi Agricultural and Fishery Promotion Agency to procure organic produce, which will be delivered through 21 locations across 17 cities and counties in the province. Each recipient will receive organic fresh food worth approximately 15,000 won ($11) per person, including items like sweet potatoes and pears.
With the addition of fresh produce to the previously offered items, which mainly included instant rice, soups, and side dishes, the range of food options for recipients has broadened. Emart anticipates that this approach will also help secure market access for local organic farmers in Gyeonggi Province.
This initiative follows Emart's 'Fresh Table' program, which began in 2023, where the company also committed to providing 600 million won over three years to deliver organic produce to vulnerable groups. The original program aimed to support approximately 27,000 households over three years, with an annual target of about 9,000 households.
Additionally, since 2012, Emart has operated the 'Hope Delivery Cart' program, supporting around 400,000 vulnerable individuals nationwide. The company continues to engage in initiatives such as child sponsorship for low-income families, support for children with illnesses, and children's library projects. In Gyeonggi Province, through the Hope Delivery Cart and Fresh Table programs, Emart has provided approximately 3.4 billion won ($2.5 million) to over 92,000 households.
Emart CEO Han Chae-yang expressed hope that the Fresh Just Dream initiative will become a model for mutual growth, supporting healthy eating for vulnerable groups while expanding market access for local farmers.
Governor Lee emphasized the importance of essential programs like organic meals for children and support for food-insecure youth, stating, "Even in financially challenging times, we must ensure that necessary initiatives are prioritized. I hope this spirit of sharing and concern spreads widely, allowing residents to enjoy healthy and safe food as one family in Gyeonggi Province."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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