Father-Son Duo Runs Free Lunch Program for Students in Need

In a rural area near Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, a father-son duo has opened a free lunch program for underprivileged students, providing nutritious meals to children who would otherwise go without. When asked how long they plan to continue, the organizers responded simply: “As long as we can.”

A Teacher’s Compassion

The “Study Aid Small Yard” (助学小院), also known as the “Love Small Yard” (爱心小院), was founded by Li Jian (李健), a “post-90s” generation rural school teacher. After graduating from university and working several jobs—including a stint as an entrepreneur—Li Jian passed the teacher certification exam in 2020 and became a rural educator near Xi’an, according to China News Service.

During his teaching, Li Jian noticed that many of his students faced serious challenges at lunchtime. “Through daily observation and home visits, I learned that some students live far from school, with parents working away from home year-round and no one to care for them,” Li Jian told China News Service. “When they rush home at noon, they either simply cook some noodles, eat leftover rice, or just nibble on steamed buns.”

Determined to help, Li Jian decided to use his own funds to create a solution.

The “Love Small Yard” Takes Shape

The small yard officially opened in March 2026 and currently serves between 21 and 24 students daily. The beneficiaries are primarily “left-behind children” (留守儿童)—students whose parents have migrated to cities for work—as well as other children facing economic hardship.

The program’s head chef is Li Jian’s father, Li Hongcai (李洪财), who rises early each day to prepare meals. “At 8 AM, I go out to purchase fresh ingredients; after arriving at the small yard, I immediately start preparing the day’s lunch,” Li Hongcai said. He changes the menu weekly to ensure variety and nutritional balance, including meat, eggs, milk, and fruit.

Li Jian’s mother also helps at the yard in her spare time. The facility is equipped with a food sample storage cabinet, security monitoring, a water dispenser, and a fire extinguisher to ensure student safety.

More Than Just a Meal

Beyond providing free lunches, Li Jian converted one room into a study where students can read, do homework, or rest after eating. The shelves are stocked with books for different age groups, creating a space that nurtures both body and mind.

Students have expressed their gratitude in heartfelt letters. “The small yard has greatly helped our lives and studies,” said Dong Mingxuan (董明轩), a student beneficiary. “So we wrote all our thoughts in letters to express our thanks.”

Viral Attention and Community Support

The story first gained media attention when China News Service reported on it in May 2026, followed by CCTV and other outlets. It went viral on Chinese social media platforms like Douyin and Weibo in early June 2026 after The Paper published a video report.

The widespread attention brought an outpouring of donations. Li Jian reported that after going viral, “many acts of kindness have poured in,” and he no longer needs to subsidize the program personally. Every donation is managed transparently and used entirely for the students’ meals and learning materials.

“As a teacher, helping students is my responsibility and duty, and this effort also brings me great happiness,” Li Jian said.

Broader Implications

Li Jian’s initiative highlights a persistent challenge in rural China: despite government programs like the “Nutrition Improvement Plan for Rural Compulsory Education Students,” which invests 16 billion yuan annually, gaps remain at the local level. Many left-behind children still struggle to access proper nutrition during the school day.

The story also reflects a broader trend of young “post-90s” teachers bringing grassroots initiatives to rural education. China’s national “Free Lunch” program, founded in 2011, has served over 480,000 children across more than 2,100 schools. Li Jian’s small-scale, independent effort represents the volunteer-driven spirit that complements these larger programs.

What’s Next

When asked about the program’s future, Li Jian’s answer was characteristically humble: “We’ll keep going as long as we can.” The challenge now is maintaining momentum after the viral moment passes. For now, the “Love Small Yard” continues to serve hot meals and provide a safe space for learning—one lunch at a time.