As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, the Mai's Hsin Tung Yang Foundation integrated food education with traditional zongzi (rice dumpling) wrapping, immersing children from the 1919 After-School Care Program in the festive spirit. The Foundation held two sessions—one at the Hsin Tung Yang Guanxi Service Area and another at the Dihua 100 specialty store. Led by Executive Chef Yang Sheng-min and an enthusiastic culinary team, the sessions introduced children to the core values of "Cherishing Food, Whole Food, and Slow Food."

The workshop featured Hsin Tung Yang’s signature clean-label sausage zongzi, making it Taiwan's first rice dumpling crafted with horizon 100% Additive-Free Clean Label sausages. Made without added nitrites and using simple, natural ingredients, these dumplings delivered wholesome nutrition without compromising on traditional flavor. Throughout the workshop, the chefs guided the children with patience and care, acting as supportive mentors. By answering questions and demonstrating culinary techniques step by step, they sparked the children’s interest in food and cooking in an encouraging, welcoming atmosphere.

In every wrapped dumpling, a new story began. The children folded their hopes and blessings into each zongzi, carefully wrapping them to share warmth with others. Young hands worked deftly as laughter filled the room and participants cheered one another on. In this inclusive environment, each child felt valued and supported. Gathering around the table to taste the freshly cooked dumplings at the end of the day, sharing food deepened connections and nurtured a sense of belonging.

Proudly displaying their finished creations, the children looked at their dumplings with joy and a strong sense of accomplishment. These zongzi represented tangible rewards of their dedication and effort. Through an interactive festival trivia session, the children also discovered the origins and cultural significance of the Dragon Boat Festival. By actively participating in traditional crafts, the youth deepened their cultural awareness and built lasting pride in their heritage.