Yongin City and SK ecoplant Join Forces: The 'Happy Two Meals Project' Fights Child Hunger in Korea

A New Chapter in Child Welfare: The Launch of the Happy Two Meals Project

Did you know that in Korea, even as cities like Yongin grow rapidly, some children still face the risk of missing meals? On June 17, 2025, Yongin City, SK ecoplant, Happy Alliance, and Happy Lunchbox Social Cooperative signed an agreement to launch the 135th ‘Happy Two Meals Project’. This initiative is dedicated to supporting 40 children at risk of hunger in Yongin with nutritious side dishes and Onnuri gift certificates five times a week, for a year and a half. The project is a shining example of how public and private sectors can collaborate to address social blind spots and ensure no child is left behind.

How the Project Works: Roles and Responsibilities

The Happy Two Meals Project is a carefully coordinated effort. SK ecoplant and Happy Narae provide the funding and focus on realizing the social value of child welfare. Yongin City identifies at-risk children, promotes the project, and recommends local partners. The Happy Lunchbox Social Cooperative is in charge of preparing and delivering the lunchboxes. Over 83 million KRW (about $60,000) has been allocated for the year-and-a-half project, with the goal of delivering over 10,400 healthy meals to children in need. This structure ensures that each partner leverages their strengths, maximizing the impact on the community.

The Broader Movement: Happy Alliance’s Nationwide Efforts

The Happy Alliance is no stranger to this kind of work. Since 2020, they have expanded their partnerships with local governments across Korea, now working with 135 municipalities to provide meal support and essential goods to vulnerable children. Their projects go beyond just meals. For example, during Family Month in May 2024, the Alliance and 21 partner companies distributed 'Happy Boxes' containing food, hygiene products, and daily necessities to 1,800 children nationwide. These efforts are part of a broader social safety net built by a coalition of 119 companies, 86 local governments, and over 420,000 citizens.

Community Voices: Korean Netizens React

Korean online communities like Theqoo, Naver, and DC Inside have been buzzing with reactions to the Happy Two Meals Project. Many netizens express gratitude and relief, saying, 'It’s heartwarming to see companies and the government working together for children.' Others highlight the ongoing need, with comments like, 'I hope more children can benefit from these programs,' and, 'We need to keep an eye on kids who fall through the cracks.' Some skepticism remains about the scale and sustainability, but the overall sentiment is positive, with users praising the transparency and collaboration among the organizations involved.

Cultural Insight: Why Meal Support Matters in Korea

For international readers, understanding the cultural context is key. In Korea, school meals are a major part of children’s daily nutrition, but during vacations or for children outside the school system, food insecurity can become acute. Social stigma around poverty often prevents families from seeking help, making discreet and respectful support programs like the Happy Two Meals Project crucial. The involvement of well-known companies like SK ecoplant also helps destigmatize welfare, turning it into a community-wide responsibility rather than a personal failing.

The Power of Public-Private Partnerships

What makes the Happy Two Meals Project stand out is its model of public-private cooperation. By pooling resources and expertise, the project not only provides immediate relief but also connects children to long-term welfare services. Yongin City’s commitment to identifying and supporting at-risk youth, combined with the logistical and financial support from corporate partners, creates a sustainable system that can be replicated elsewhere. The hope is that this project will inspire other cities and companies to launch similar initiatives, further strengthening Korea’s social safety net.

Looking Forward: The Future of Child Welfare in Korea

As the project continues through December 2025, all eyes are on its outcomes. Will the model expand to more cities? How will it adapt to changing needs? The Happy Alliance has already proven its ability to mobilize diverse stakeholders and deliver tangible results. With growing public awareness and support, there is optimism that Korea can continue to innovate in child welfare, ensuring that every child has the chance to grow up healthy and hopeful. For international readers, the Happy Two Meals Project is a compelling example of how collective action and cultural sensitivity can drive real change in social welfare.

References and Further Reading

Recent news articles from Yonhap, OhmyNews, FETV, Nate, and SmartFN have covered the project’s launch and progress. Popular Korean blogs on Naver and Tistory have also highlighted the emotional stories of children and volunteers involved, sharing behind-the-scenes looks at the lunchbox preparation and delivery process. Community platforms like Theqoo and DC Inside provide a window into public opinion, showing both support and constructive criticism. These diverse sources paint a vivid picture of a society coming together to ensure that no child goes hungry.