So useful? "This card" in Changhua has a surge in new and active cards

More than 85% of Changhua County’s elderly people over 65 years old hold Evergreen Cards issued by the county government. Especially after the discounts for consumption at the Farmers and Fisheries Association were opened on October 1 this year, there has been an enthusiasm for applying for and using the cards. (Photo by reporter Zhang Congqiu)

Changhua County issues the "Evergreen Happiness Card" (referred to as the "Evergreen Card") to seniors over 65 years old. According to the latest statistics from the county government, the number of eligible cards has surged to 213,480. Especially in the past two months, the number of people applying for the card has been even more enthusiastic. Many people have applied for the card as soon as they come. When opening the card, the County Social Affairs Department stated that the original card function is very easy to use, and the new card can be used for consumption at the Farmers and Fisheries Association stores, which has greatly increased the willingness of the elderly to apply and the usage rate. In addition, there are more and more cases where "dead cards" that were not used in the past are turned into "live cards" after being discounted and used to offset fees.

Changhua County currently has a population of over 65 years old of approximately 250,000. As of the end of October, a total of 213,480 Evergreen Cards have been issued, accounting for 85% of the total. Starting from October 1 this year, the card can be used to redeem purchases at 47 stores of 27 fishermen and farmers' associations in the county. Each card is worth 200 points per month (1 point 1 yuan). This has promoted card opening and consumption, and many places have seen traffic jams or sold out items.

Bai Minjie, director-general of the Changhua City Farmers' Association, said that sales at the farmers' association's stores doubled in October. In response to the increase in the number of consumers, the farmers' association has deployed more manpower to provide services.

In order to capture the elderly consumer market and provide services nearby, the Tianwei Farmers Association in South Changhua also dispatched special vehicles to carry goods directly into the villages, so that the elderly can buy in the community without having to go to the store.

Many farmers' associations said that the Evergreen Card can be used to purchase daily necessities. The couple can use a total of 400 points (400 yuan) each month as discounts, such as rice, salad oil, fresh milk, eggs and other livelihood foods. The Farmers Association has also successively launched 200 yuan discount products to attract the elderly to spend with their cards.

The Department of Social Affairs pointed out that the Evergreen Card has a monthly quota of 1,000 points per person. After the newly added 200 points can be used to offset the consumption of the Farmers and Fisheries Association, the usage rate has increased significantly. Most people will use up the 200 points. It is also common for cardholders with mobility problems to apply for purchasing on behalf of others. It has been more than a month since the new policy was launched, and the feedback from the elderly has been very positive.

People who hold Evergreen Cards to purchase daily necessities at the Farmers and Fisheries Association can redeem up to a monthly limit of 200 points (1 yuan per point) per person. (Provided by the county government)

In recent months, farmers' association stores across Changhua County have been booming in business. Many people use Evergreen Cards to make purchases. When there are many people, they have to queue up to check out. (Provided by the county government)