On a crisp autumn afternoon, 76-year-old Wang Xiangfu and his wife enjoy a meal at the senior canteen in Xijiao Community, Longxi County. With their granddaughter studying away and their son and daughter-in-law not around, the couple has become regular patrons. "A set meal with two meat dishes, one vegetable, unlimited rice, and free soup costs just 9 yuan. For noodles, a large bowl shared between us is enough—affordable and convenient," Wang says with a smile.

**Nutritious Meals Boost Happiness** Xijiao Community, formerly a residential area for Northwest Aluminum Processing Factory retirees, has over 3,079 seniors aged 60+, accounting for a third of its population, many of whom live alone or have limited mobility.

"Many elderly residents used to make do with leftovers, which worried us," says Wang Minshan, the community’s Party secretary. Small nearby eateries were often unsuitable in taste and price, leaving the "meal difficulty" issue unresolved.

To address this, the community collaborated with county-owned Runtong Property to open a 90-square-meter senior canteen in April last year, offering 40 seats. "We prepare low-salt, soft-textured meals priced 20%-30% below market rates, with an extra 1-yuan discount for seniors over 60," explains manager Ma Jianping.

Local authorities, including the discipline inspection commission, facilitated cost reductions by switching to residential gas rates and lowering rent. Regular safety inspections ensure quality. "We save over 500 yuan monthly on gas, passing the savings to seniors," Ma adds. The canteen also delivers free meals to homebound elders.

Now serving 160 seniors daily, the canteen not only feeds 70+ vulnerable elders but also doubles as a social hub. The community has further upgraded facilities, including fitness squares, cultural exhibits, and "Party member stations" handling 60+ resident concerns. Volunteer teams and emergency alarms for isolated seniors enhance safety nets.

**After-School Care Eases Parental Burden** In Anding District’s Guanchuang Jingwan neighborhood, second-grader Liu Fenfang finishes homework at a property-managed study space after dinner. His father, Mr. Liu, picks him up past 8 p.m.: "The summer childcare program was reliable, so we returned today when needed."

The free托管班 (tuoguan ban, childcare class), launched by Wulipu Community and property managers, addresses working parents’ holiday childcare gaps. Volunteers—college students, Party members, and staff—tutor kids and organize activities, while partnerships with museums and science associations offer enrichment courses. Two sessions have served 60+ children with 100% satisfaction.

**Integrated Services Close to Home** Centered on Party-mass stations and canteens, communities now provide all-age-friendly services: chess corners for seniors, monthly health checkups (serving 600+ elders), anti-fraud workshops, and tiered meal discounts (20% off for over-60s, extra subsidies for the needy).

"With childcare and senior support, we work worry-free," says resident Ms. Liu. These initiatives in Longxi and Anding reflect Dingxi City’s broader push to transform property management into lasting welfare solutions.

"Property reforms aren’t temporary—they institutionalize responsibilities to relieve family care pressures," stresses Dingxi’s discipline inspection chief. "By addressing immediate needs and improving grassroots governance, we’re bringing tangible happiness to residents’ doorsteps."