---
title: "Social canteen in Selemet serves hot meals to those in need"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/88146/social-canteen-in-selemet-serves-hot-meals-to-those-in-need
published: 2026-10-25T18:30:15Z
language: en
author: "Evelina Curca"
section: "Regional"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Social canteen in Selemet serves hot meals to those in need

> In the village of Selemet, in the Cimișlia district, 50 people find a hot meal every day. The social canteen, renovated with financial support from Europe, offers a helping hand to those for whom every single day can be a challenge.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/c90d43f4-98ab-4045-a068-8edfeed681c0.jpg)

In the village of Selemet, in the Cimișlia district, 50 people find a hot meal every day. The social canteen, renovated with financial support from Europe, offers a helping hand to those for whom every single day can be a challenge.

Beneficiaries include ill people and elderly individuals who live alone or can no longer manage on their own. In total, over 85 people need this service; however, the canteen prepares 50 portions daily, distributed on a rotating basis.

*“— The first course is soup, but I haven’t checked what the second course is yet. — Do you like the food here? — It’s very tasty. May God grant peace and health to the families of those who prepare it,”* said one of the beneficiaries.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/dde5270f-9ade-4ef2-a467-7cbfde0f9eee.jpg)

"‘Is the food good?’ ‘It’s good.’ ‘Do you like it?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘What do you like eating the most?’ ‘We eat whatever is given to us. There’s no one at home to cook for me; I live alone—my wife passed away ten years ago,’" a man said.

Behind every portion lie hours of hard work and care for those who depend on this assistance. 

"I can see they’re satisfied. Others arrive first thing in the morning. Life is hard for people these days; at least they get a hot meal here—who knows what they manage to eat when they’re at home? I prepare food for nearly 50 people all by myself," said Nina Eșanu, a cook.

"I assist with serving meals to the elderly; I’ve been volunteering here for nearly three years now. I really enjoy it—it’s a chance to hear and see something new," stated Lidia Pelivan, an assistant cook.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/903a04ec-310a-43b7-b504-703a024b23af.jpg)

The canteen has operated since 2018 and has undergone several upgrades. The most significant support came from the European Union (EU) — 38,000 euros.

"Kitchen equipment was purchased, as well as a vehicle—which is essential since we work with socially vulnerable individuals; some of our beneficiaries are unable to travel to the center on their own, so the vehicle is used to transport them to district centers, to see family doctors, or to come here to the center," explained Aliona Televca, the administrator of the social center.

The canteen is just one of the services Selemet offers. The social services center has been operating since 2012, providing support to the elderly, children with disabilities, and other people in difficult circumstances.

"These services encompass a range of activities and support, including a social canteen, a social laundry, a social shower facility, and a social barbershop/hair salon. We are glad that, through this service, we can bring more warmth and support to people who have worked their entire lives and contributed to the development of both the village and the country," said Tatiana Badan, the mayor of Selemet village.

The social canteen is among the EU-funded projects showcased as part of the "Where’s the Money?" campaign.

"The transformation—from how things were before to how they have become following these investments—is truly wonderful, as it helps the specific groups of people who need access to these services," stated Felicia Plămădeală, a manager for the "Where’s the Money?" campaign. Approximately three thousand people live in Selemet, of whom over 700 are pensioners and people with disabilities.