“Why is this Korean leek in here? It should go into the kimchi (Seasoned Korean cabbage)!”
“Oops, we made a mistake!”
At
“Established in 2004 to care for lonely elderly and homeless people, Freefood is run only with the donations from our members and has neither a religious mission nor a political color,” said the president of Freefood, Kwon Joo-woong.
Freefood begins the day at
In order to serve the day’s menu, bulgogi, omelettes and kimchi, the volunteers are divided into three groups. Kim Young-mi, who is the day’s chief chef how to cook, “Now, when the egg turns nice and yellow, you have to start rolling up the egg.” Kim says that she feels happy when she sees the elderly people enjoying their meals. “I am not the best cook, but all the people who come here seem to be pleased.”
As the time nears
At
While the meals are served, latecomers line up in front of the door. “Promise me that you won’t be drunk next time you come,” says Lee to one homeless person. Saying, “I’m sorry. I’ll just eat a little,” the man goes to his seat. “Many homeless people are drunk, so when they come here I try to talk to them like a big brother,” Lee says. At the same time, Park Tack-keun (can enjoy their meals since I’ve prepared it with my heart,” says Park.
When volunteers pile up the empty dishes for washing and say goodbye and good health to the guests, the day has almost come to an end.
Freefood seems to be a lighthouse to many people, a place where they come when they get lost. When people find it, they find comfort, peace and happiness. With help from its volunteers, Freefood plans to continue to be a light and hope for people in hardship.
Reporter on the Scene offers real-life glimpses of people at work helping others who live on the margins of society.