Canteen services aren't the only affordable meal program to debut in Tianjin this year. The first free food and delivery service was offered at the Guan'gang No 1 Community in Binhai New Area starting in March.

Fang Yongchang, Party chief of the community, told China Daily around 70 elderly and disabled persons enjoy free lunch delivery, and around 30 come to the canteen every day for launch.

"I'm worried about high temperatures," he said, "so I told the more elderly of them to stay at home and wait for delivery."

"Sometimes, I also organize a birthday party for them at the canteen for free," he added.

According to the government, locals above 60 years of age can apply for canteen services.