If you’re spending Lunar New Year in Guangdong, there’s one place the celebration is guaranteed to be loud, colorful, and unforgettable: the dinner table.

A new report shared via PRNewswire from South spotlights how food anchors New Year traditions across the province—and offers a simple guide for international visitors wondering what to order, try, or look for while the festivities are in full swing.

The report notes that it’s the Year of the Horse, and that the Lunar New Year spirit is sweeping across Guangdong, with seasonal dishes and shared meals taking center stage.

Why Guangdong’s New Year celebration is all about food

In Guangdong (home to Cantonese cuisine and a deep culture of banquet-style dining), New Year meals aren’t just about eating—they’re about togetherness, symbolism, and starting the year on a high note.

The report emphasizes that food has long been at the heart of the region’s holiday celebrations, making it one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways for visitors to connect with local culture.

A must-try list curated by Consuls General in Guangzhou

The hook here is the source of the recommendations: the report promises an “ultimate must-try list” handpicked by Consuls General in Guangzhou—a diplomatic, international lens on what’s worth tasting during the holiday.

While the PRNewswire version points readers to the full list in the original report, the takeaway is clear: if you’re in Guangdong for Lunar New Year and want to eat like you’re part of the celebration, this guide is meant to help you start.

What to do next if you’re visiting

If you’re traveling through Guangdong during the holiday stretch, a few easy ways to use this kind of list:

• Ask restaurants what their Lunar New Year specials are
• Look for dishes meant for sharing (the New Year table is rarely a solo experience)
• Try something seasonal you wouldn’t normally order—New Year is when many families go all-in

Read more

Source: PRNewswire

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

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Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Chick-fil-A, Inc. is awarding $6 million in grants to 56 nonprofit organizations as part of its 2026 True Inspiration Awards® program, spotlighting groups the company says are making measurable, community-level impact.

The Feb. 10 announcement also marks a global milestone for the brand: Chick-fil-A is expanding the program’s footprint to include its first-ever Singapore-based grant recipient.

The big picture: a decade of community grants

Chick-fil-A launched the True Inspiration Awards in 2015 to honor the legacy of its founder, S. Truett Cathy. Since then, the company says it has awarded more than 400 grants totaling nearly $40 million to nonprofits across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.K. and now Singapore.

“Serving is at the heart of what we do, and the True Inspiration Awards reflect our belief that strong communities are built through consistent, caring action,” said Andrew T. Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, Inc., in the release.

Faith Kitchen named 2026 S. Truett Cathy Honoree

This year’s S. Truett Cathy Honoree — the program’s top recognition and largest grant — went to Faith Kitchen, a San Antonio-based nonprofit focused on serving people experiencing homelessness.

Faith Kitchen received a $350,000 grant, which Chick-fil-A says will help:

• Support continued meal service
• Expand job training programs
• Increase operational capacity as demand rises

According to the release, Faith Kitchen serves more than 5,000 individuals each year and has operated with a mission of feeding those experiencing homelessness for 45 years, providing hot, nutritious meals three times per day.

Shared Table partnership: surplus food turned into meals

Chick-fil-A also highlighted its ongoing relationship with Faith Kitchen through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table®program, which donates surplus food from restaurants.

Since 2017, Chick-fil-A restaurants in San Antonio have partnered with Faith Kitchen to help create more than 200,000 meals, according to the company. The release also notes restaurants donate 500 boxed meals monthly to support Faith Kitchen clients.

Local Owner-Operator Greg Patterson said he nominated Faith Kitchen for the grant, citing the organization’s focus on dignity and dependable support.

Global expansion: first Singapore recipient

A notable headline for 2026 is the program’s first Singapore recipient: Fei Yue Community Services, which received $170,000 SGD.

Chick-fil-A says the organization supports socially withdrawn youth by connecting them with mental health resources and supportive relationships.

More nonprofits recognized across the U.S.

While Chick-fil-A’s full list of 2026 recipients is available through the company’s program page, the release highlights several additional grant recipients, including:

• Living and Learning Enrichment Center (Detroit, Michigan): $125,000 to support teens and young adults with disabilities transitioning to adulthood
• For Oak Cliff (North Texas): $200,000 to strengthen culturally responsive programs and expand access to education, workforce development, and community resources
• San Diego Rescue Mission (San Diego, California): $125,000 to provide trauma-informed support for individuals and families facing homelessness
• Capital City Youth Services (Tallahassee, Florida): selected to help expand emergency shelter and mental health support for at-risk youth

Chick-fil-A One members helped vote — nearly 700,000 ballots

Chick-fil-A says Chick-fil-A One® Members voted for Operator-nominated nonprofits in the Chick-fil-A App, and that voting plays a role in the final scoring. This year, the company reported a record nearly 700,000 votes cast.

2027 application window is open

Nonprofits interested in the next cycle can take note: Chick-fil-A says the 2027 True Inspiration Awards application period opens today and closes May 1.

For more information and the interactive release, visit: https://www.multivu.com/chick-fil-a/9376351-en-chick-fil-a-true-inspiration-awards-grants

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Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Turns Spare Change Into Holiday Hope with Feeding America Partnership

When you’re hunting for bargains this holiday season, your spare change could do more than jingle in your pocket—it could put food on a neighbor’s table. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is launching its sixth annual hOLLIEday Caring campaign, partnering with Feeding America® to give shoppers an easy way to fight hunger right at the register. From December 7th through December 24th, customers can round up their purchases to support local food banks in communities where Ollie’s stores operate. It’s a small gesture that adds up fast—over the past five years, these round-ups have generated more than $4 million for families facing food insecurity.

Why This Campaign Matters More Than Ever

Food insecurity isn’t just a holiday problem—it’s a year-round crisis that intensifies when the calendar turns to November and December. Rising costs for food, housing, and healthcare have pushed millions of Americans into impossible choices: pay the electric bill or buy groceries? Fill a prescription or feed the kids? The Feeding America network has responded to this growing need by rescuing more than 4 billion pounds of wholesome food over the past year. But as demand increases, so does the pressure on food banks to keep shelves stocked and families fed. “The holidays can be a particularly challenging period for those in need and the food banks that support them,” the campaign announcement notes. “This is a time when families are forced to choose between food and other necessity items, food banks face rising demand, and families nationwide are turning to the Feeding America network of partner food banks to help make ends meet.”

How Round-Ups Create Real Impact

The beauty of Ollie’s hOLLIEday Caring campaign lies in its simplicity. There’s no complicated donation process, no separate transaction, no guilt-inducing ask at the checkout. Just a quick question: would you like to round up your purchase? That extra 37 cents or 82 cents might not seem like much in the moment, but multiply it across hundreds of thousands of transactions at 613 stores in 34 states, and suddenly you’re talking about meaningful resources for local food banks. “Our hOLLIEday Caring campaign encourages shoppers to turn spare change into meaningful support that puts food on the table for neighbors and creates the kind of real change and hope families need right now,” said Tom Kuypers, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Ollie’s.

A Partnership Built on Community Values

What makes this initiative particularly effective is that donations stay local. The funds raised support Feeding America’s network of partner food banks in the communities where Ollie’s operates, ensuring that your round-up in Pennsylvania helps Pennsylvania families, and your contribution in Arizona supports Arizona neighbors. This localized approach reflects Ollie’s broader commitment to the communities it serves. “At Ollie’s, caring for our associates, customers, and the communities in which they live in is a core value,” Kuypers emphasized. Elizabeth Pettengill, Interim Vice President of Corporate Partners at Feeding America, echoed that sentiment: “We are grateful for partners like Ollie’s who help make our work possible. Every round up at the register supports local food banks in communities across the country, helping to ensure families can bring meals home during the holidays and beyond.”

Beyond the Holidays

While the hOLLIEday Caring campaign runs through Christmas Eve, the need for food assistance doesn’t end when the decorations come down. Food insecurity is a persistent challenge that requires sustained support throughout the year. That’s why partnerships like this one matter—they create awareness, build habits of giving, and demonstrate how easily everyday shoppers can contribute to solutions. When charitable giving is integrated into routine activities like grocery shopping or bargain hunting, it becomes accessible to everyone, not just those with disposable income to spare.

How to Participate

If you’re shopping at Ollie’s between December 7th and December 24th, simply say yes when the cashier asks if you’d like to round up your purchase. That’s it. Your spare change will be directed to Feeding America’s network of local food banks, helping families in your community access the food they need. And if Ollie’s isn’t part of your regular shopping routine, consider how you might support local food banks in other ways—whether through direct donations, volunteering, or participating in similar round-up campaigns at other retailers. The holidays remind us that community isn’t just about celebration—it’s about showing up for each other, especially when times are tough. Sometimes that looks like a grand gesture. Sometimes it’s as simple as rounding up to the nearest dollar.

About Ollie’s Bargain Outlet

Ollie’s is a leading off-price retailer specializing in brand name closeout merchandise and excess inventory. With 613 stores across 34 states, the company’s mission is to sell “Good Stuff Cheap®” at prices up to 70% below traditional retailers. Learn more at ollies.com. For more stories about people making a difference in the community, whether it’s locally or globally, visit our Stories of Change section.

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Sources:

• Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Press Release via PR Newswire
• Feeding America

Looking for more ways to support families facing food insecurity? Visit your local food bank’s website to learn about donation opportunities, volunteer shifts, and community programs.