Rice rush depicts Hong Kong's woes

Despite Hong Kong's glossy image as a premier Asian city, many of its people are struggling to cope with poverty

HONG KONG, China (CNN) -- During the lunar month of the hungry ghost festival, "lucky rice" packets are distributed in Hong Kong to the elderly as a mark of festive gesture and respect.

But that tradition has now become a symbol of Hong Kong's economic woes, with more people showing up in the distribution centers to receive handouts.

"In the past two years, I could not earn enough money. That's why I come here for free rice," said an elderly Hong Kong woman.

Indeed, the rice-distribution exercise has turned into a much-needed freebie for those going hungry.

CNN NewsPass VIDEO The Hong Kong economy is forcing some residents to rely on free rice to keep themselves fed. (August 28) Play video

And the lines in distribution centers keep getting longer and longer every each passing year, as Hong Kong grapples with a sagging economy.

The territory is now experiencing its second recession in four years, with personal bankruptcies and jobless rate on to rise.

Hong Kong's unemployment rate edged up to a record high of 7.8 percent in the three months ending in July, a reason which has forced younger people to get in line.

Rice rush

"More younger people come to get free rice because of poor economic situation in their families. Previously, we had more elderly people getting the free rice and very few young people," said one of the event organizers.

Young or old, thousands of Hong Kong residents have queued up in the scorching summer heat over the past few days to receive rice handouts from a charity organization.

And with every five-kilogram packet of rice worth about 43 Hong Kong dollars or 5 dollars fifty U.S., its no surprise, a rice rush sometimes breaks out.

"I came from Nan Shan village and I have been waiting here since five this morning. I brought some bread as lunch because I cannot leave my position," said a woman.

For the people in need, they have no other recourse but to brave the ten-hour wait. As they have learnt, surviving the hard times takes a lot of patience.