Nearly 56 percent of underprivileged children face the plight of not getting regular meals during the school summer vacation, according to a survey by the Child Welfare League Foundation.
The foundation said school lunches might not be a big deal for urban children, but for underprivileged children in some rural areas, it can be the main meal of the day for themselves and even for their families if they can bring their leftovers home.
The foundation said that when school is out, up to 55.8 percent of these youngsters do not get regular meals, and even if they do have something to eat, up to 63 percent often rely on instant noodles and canned food.
In addition, 77 percent have to help with laundry or cleaning, 60 percent have to help take care of their younger siblings or elderly family members and 40 percent have to help prepare meals, the survey found.
Foundation chief executive Chen Li-ju (陳麗如) said the organization launched a project in 2010 to supply long-term nutrition for underprivileged children, and has since helped to feed more than 7,000 children during the summer and winter vacations.
Chen said that since the foundation started to solicit donations for this year’s project on July 4, it has been gratified to receive some significant contributions, including the biggest individual donation of NT$8 million (US$267,082) from the head of CJW International Co.
Chen said the donation will help the foundation to “do more” for underprivileged children, and urged more people to chip in for the project.
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