[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park Chan-hyuk] The "Food Basic Guarantee Corner (Geunangssdeum)" introduced by Hwaseong Special City on December 1 last year has seen visitor numbers increase more than fourfold within a month of operation, establishing itself as a closely-knit welfare safety net for the local community.
The Geunangssdeum project is a life-oriented welfare initiative that provides citizens with 3-5 types of food items such as cooked rice, instant noodles, and seaweed on-site and immediately upon visits. Since December 1, it has been operating at two locations: △Narae-ul Food Market and △Happiness Sharing Food Market, with a focus on improving food accessibility for vulnerable populations.
The project is based on the "Gyeonggi Food Geunangssdeum Corner" promoted by former President Lee Jae-myung during his tenure as Gyeonggi Province Governor. The city has developed this according to local conditions, with a distinctive feature being strengthened linkages with the Hwaseong City Financial Welfare Consultation Center. Through this, the city has established a structure where citizens can receive more substantial support by connecting food assistance with financial counseling.
From 16 visitors per day to 76……'Geunangssdeum' visitors increase fourfold in two weeks↑
According to visitor data compiled by the city, Geunangssdeum showed clear growth with visitor numbers increasing more than fourfold within a month of operation.
In the initial phase from △December 1-5, daily average visitors were around 16 people, but from △December 10-12, numbers surpassed the 20s, showing a gradual increase. Subsequently, in the mid-phase from △December 16-18, daily average visitors reached 66 people, recording more than a fourfold increase compared to the initial phase. In particular, on △December 17, 76 people visited in a single day, marking the highest visitor count since opening.
The fact that visitor numbers increased more than fourfold in such a short period is an achievement rarely seen in other local governments, demonstrating that 'Geunangssdeum' is creating a sustained momentum of expansion rather than remaining a one-time service.
This growth trend is interpreted as a result of satisfaction experienced during use naturally spreading through word-of-mouth. In fact, at the site, visitors saying "I came after hearing from acquaintances," "I came after seeing people around me receive food items" are steadily increasing. Initially coming for the purpose of receiving daily necessities, visitors are experiencing connections to welfare and financial support through counseling, and this experience is being passed on to those around them.
Capitalizing on growth momentum, three additional 'Geunangssdeum' locations to open in January……draws attention with five locations, the most in the province
In response to the increased visitor numbers, the city is moving forward with expanding 'Geunangssdeum'. Starting with △Grace Food Bank located in Dongtan on the 5th, the city plans to add 'Geunangssdeum' corners at △Bongdam-eup Administrative Office and △Western Comprehensive Social Welfare Center by mid-to-late January, establishing a closely-knit food safety net.
This expansion of 'Geunangssdeum' will be implemented in a regional hub-based operation model. Beyond existing southern and eastern regional hubs, the city will expand to include △western region (Western Comprehensive Social Welfare Center) △northern region (Bongdam-eup Administrative Office) △Dongtan region (Grace Food Bank), establishing a system of five locations in total. Through this, the city aims to eliminate concentration in specific areas and increase accessibility so citizens can more easily receive food assistance within their residential areas.
Meanwhile, once the five-location operational system is established in January, the city will become the local government operating the most 'Geunangssdeum' spaces in Gyeonggi Province. The city plans to continuously promote regional hub expansion by comprehensively reviewing usage patterns and regional demand.
Mayor Jeong Myeong-geun stated, "The fact that citizens seeking 'Geunangssdeum' have nearly quadrupled in just one month means that the space is being recognized by citizens as trustworthy and a place where we can share life's hardships together," and added, "I deeply appreciate all citizens who have recommended 'Geunangssdeum' to their neighbors and shown interest."
Mayor Jeong further emphasized, "Hwaseong's 'Geunangssdeum' started from the small practice of handing out food, but now has established itself as a life-oriented welfare platform where crises are detected early and necessary support follows through counseling and linkages. This year, we will continue to add regional hubs so anyone in the city can more easily access this service within their residential areas, and we will continue administration that doesn't miss the life of even a single person."
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