In downtown Shanghai, young professionals like Maggie Xu are turning to subsidized community canteens to save money and find affordable, plentiful meals. The canteens, once catering mainly to seniors, are now drawing a younger crowd due to economic uncertainty and job insecurity. These canteens, supported by the Communist Party, offer discounted meals and have become an important fixture for Shanghai's working population. The cost-saving impetus reflects a broader reluctance to spend, contributing to the country's economic challenges. Young people, facing financial constraints, are finding the canteens to be a more affordable dining option. This trend has led to an increase in the number of younger patrons at these community canteens, providing a sense of relief in tough economic times.