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More Than Food: The Story of “Three Beans” Becoming a Platform of Solidarity — 2026
The “Three-Beans” Social Contribution Project has evolved beyond a simple food relief initiative into a "platform of solidarity" where university communities care for and support one another. The project draws its name from the traditional Korean wisdom of planting three beans—one for the birds, one for the insects, and one for ourselves. In a reality where rising prices and housing costs often force students to give up a "healthy meal" first, this project aims to restore the value of that meal and foster a deep sense of emotional connection.
What makes the "Three-Beans" project truly special is its participatory model, where students are not just recipients but active planners. Students directly curate the items and participate in the packaging process. This transition from receiving help to becoming an agent of sharing provides a practical platform for experiential learning and community spirit. Since its inception in 2018, the program has reached a significant milestone: delivering a total of 6,500 meal kits to over 1,500 students. This record stands as a testament to the "virtuous cycle," where campus profits are returned to members as an investment in their welfare and future.
For this 16th semester (Spring 2026), the journey continued by selecting 240 participants across 33 member cooperatives. During the application process, we received numerous heart-wrenching stories that reaffirmed the harsh economic realities today’s students face. The selected students will receive a "Three-Beans Kit" consisting of shelf-stable convenience foods—such as instant rice and roasted eggs—delivered four times over two months.
Driven by the precious stories we encountered this semester, the Korea Federation of University Cooperatives (KFUC) plans to expand the scope of this support even further. We want to ensure more students can feel the warmth of their community and focus on their dreams without worrying about their next meal. Together with our partners—Ourhome, HK inno.N, and Gourmet Bagel—the "Three-Beans" promise will continue to grow deeper and wider, turning a simple meal into a powerful message of encouragement for every student.