China’s economy is worsening leading to a growing trend among its youth to consume leftover food, recently several businesses have begun to package unsold daily food items into leftover food blind boxes, inside these boxes are bread, milk tea, dumplings and light meals offered at a third of their original price creating a buying frenzy among many young people. Jean Chen a pseudonym in an interview with Beijing youth daily described these boxes as a lifesaver during his early financially challenging days in Beijing fresh out of college and new to the workforce, he had to live frugally, he shared how for just 20 yuan about 2.81 US $ he could get food that would normally cost 100 Yuan about 14.5 US$ making him a frequent purchaser. Initially a western concept for environmental conservation leftover food blind boxes have gained traction in mainland China as the economy has faltered, this phenomenon reflects broader social business and consumer dynamics. These boxes often contain unsold food that’s near expiry but still safe to eat available at a significant discount, typically they are sold in the evenings or just before shops closed priced between 30% and 50% of the original cost.
2. While leftover food blind boxes are cutting down business losses their profitability is limited, a coffee shop owner explained that the profit margin is tiny after expenses a cup of coffee costs four or five yuan to make but a blind box sells for just about 7 yuan. After factoring in platform fees and other costs the profits are minimal the information sparked lively debates among China’s youth. One netizen questioned isin’t it just due to poverty? other commented what could it be if not the new generation setting aside their pride to seek a diverse low cost lifestyle, they have less money it has even become a topic for exams with discussions on leftover food blind boxes being relevant for both language and politics classes. Some have raised concerns over the food safety of these leftover food blind boxes being relevant for both language and politics classes. Some have raised concerns over the food safety of these leftover food blind boxes stating eating leftovers and then ending up needing in four at the hospital that’s not really saving money.
3. In recent years with China’s economy in steep decline and high unemployment rates, many young people have downgraded their consumption habits foregoing luxuries like nail salons live streaming and food delivery opting instead for domestic brands and shoes and cosmetics, many young people in Beijing are finding enjoyment and cost free relaxation methods, they flock to Chaoyang park which has no entry fee to spend their free time or cycle along Changan Avenue in the evenings with each shared bike ride costing just about five Yuan.
4. The lack of work opportunities has put the livelihood of China’s youth at risk. Many of them migrate from rural areas to urban centers, hoping to find better jobs and living standards. However, without steady employment, they struggle to afford the high costs of rent and food in the cities. Most of them live in cramped apartments and spend long hours working outside, only to return home at night. When they lose their jobs, they face the threat of eviction and hunger. This is the grim reality of not only the youth in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Suzhou and Yiwu, but also those in many other smaller towns and regions. Some cheap food restaurants offer them low-priced meals as a humanitarian gesture, but they also sacrifice their own profits in doing so. The question that arises is: how long can China’s youth survive in this state of unemployment and what is the top leadership of the Communist Party doing to create more jobs for them? If this situation persists for a long time, it will have serious consequences for both China’s economy and society. On one hand, China’s economic growth will suffer, as the report by Goldman Sachs shows that China’s GDP increased by only 5.3 percent in 2023, with the manufacturing and unorganised sectors being the worst hit by job losses. On the other hand, the growing discontent and frustration among the youth will lead to social unrest and instability. 5. The only option left for China’s youth is to return to their villages, but that is not a viable solution either. They do not have the skills or the interest to engage in farming, which is the main occupation in rural areas. Many of them aspire to work in the corporate, manufacturing and service sectors in the cities, where they can earn more money and enjoy a better quality of life. However, the villages are already overcrowded with people who depend on agriculture for their livelihood, and adding more people to the mix will only increase the pressure on the land and the resources. Moreover, the profit margins in agriculture are very low, and they will have to be shared among more people. Thus, the condition of the youth who return from urban to rural areas will be even more miserable. The Communist Party does not have a clear and effective plan to address the unemployment crisis of its youth, nor does it have a vision for the future of China’s economy.