Residents order dishes in the Linghongli community cafeteria. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The Linghongli community cafeteria in Chongchuan district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, has become hugely popular with residents since it started operations on Jan 29, local media reported.

Located in the Huabanli residential community, Linghongli is the first community cafeteria in the district. More than 200 people, most of whom are elderly citizens and office workers, patronize the cafeteria every day.

The price of dishes in Linghongli is about 30 percent cheaper than those sold in neighboring restaurants.

Besides providing meals, Linghongli also generates huge social benefits, said Yan Xiangdong, the person in charge of the cafeteria.

For example, the cafeteria provides special services for people who are over 80 years of age, people with disabilities, and families of martyrs. It has also offered public welfare positions to people who face difficulties in finding jobs.