Are Firefighters’ Meals Worth Only 3,000 KRW?

Recent findings have revealed that the budget allocated for firefighters’ meals in some regions of South Korea is shockingly low, sometimes as little as 3,000 KRW per meal.

Recent findings have revealed that the budget allocated for firefighters’ meals in some regions of South Korea is shockingly low, sometimes as little as 3,000 KRW per meal. This raises concerns about the nutritional value and quality of the food being served to those tasked with saving lives. The disparities in meal budgets across different regions only make the issue more pressing. Immediate action is needed to improve the welfare and health of firefighters.

According to data released by the office of Han Byung-do, a Democratic Party lawmaker and a member of the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee, some fire stations offer meals with budgets as low as 3,112 KRW per meal. For comparison, the budget for meals for at-risk children in Seoul is 9,000 KRW, highlighting the stark contrast in the quality of meals provided to firefighters.

The reason for the wide variation in meal budgets across regions is due to the differing levels of financial support provided by local governments. For instance, some regions like Jeolla-do do not have a single registered dietitian in any of their fire stations, while others operate without even a basic meal plan. This makes it difficult for firefighters to receive balanced, nutritious meals, which could negatively affect their health in the long run.

Moreover, due to the three-shift system that most firefighters work, they are entitled to three meals a day. However, the budget per meal is significantly lower than that of regular government employees. The meal budget for firefighters is just 4,666 KRW per meal, compared to 7,000 KRW for regular public servants. This difference directly impacts the quality of the meals they receive.

There is growing consensus that immediate action is required to address this issue. Lawmakers and fire authorities need to explore ways to standardize the meal budget and increase the fixed meal allowance for firefighters. This is essential for ensuring that firefighters receive meals that meet their nutritional needs.

Firefighters play a critical role in ensuring public safety, and their health and welfare should be a top priority. If their meals continue to be underfunded, it could undermine their ability to perform their duties effectively. Now is the time to take decisive steps to end the issue of poor-quality meals and ensure that firefighters are given the support they deserve. After all, healthy firefighters mean a safer society.