Shanghai bakery distributes free food to typhoon-hit seniors

A bakery in Shanghai's Changning district distributed freshly baked bread to elderly residents stranded by severe weather on Sunday as Typhoon Dolphin brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to the city.

The initiative began during a routine flood-prevention inspection on Yuyuan Road led by Qiu Li, Party secretary of the Yaojiajiao residential community in the Huayang Road subdistrict.

While distributing supplementary flood-prevention supplies to local businesses, Qiu visited local bakery Artist La Pie, where the owner inquired about the welfare of nearby residents during the typhoon.

After learning that some elderly were unable to leave their homes due to the weather, the proprietor offered to donate the store's daily inventory.

"We have fresh bread in the store. Let's give it to the elderly," the owner said. "We are a community-friendly business partner with the subdistrict, and have always maintained close ties with our neighbors."

"We simply wanted to help in whatever way we could," he added. "A true neighborhood is where people support one another. Running a business here isn't just about commerce; it's about fostering human connection and warmth."

The owner added that the donation was also a gesture of appreciation for municipal support. Local neighborhood committees had previously equipped the bakery with flood-prevention equipment and sandbags, preventing water damage during the peak of the typhoon.

Community volunteers delivered the donated food to elderly households in the district by Sunday evening.

"This illustrates our friendly merchant philosophy in Yuyuan Road's neighborhood model," Qiu said. "We collaborate and share resources during ordinary times, then stand together when challenges arise."