China’s economy in recession, young people starting to scavenge for leftover food

In recent times, with China’s economic downturn, people’s lives have become increasingly difficult. A new trend called “Zero-Cost Survival” has silently gained popularity on Chinese social media platforms. In order to save money, young people in various parts of the country have resorted to picking up leftover vegetables at local markets to eat. Opinions on this phenomenon are divided, with some praising it as a way to save money, while others question its sustainability. Some bloggers believe that while saving is a choice, relying on leftover vegetables may not leave much of a choice.

Watching some videos online about picking up leftover vegetables, it is evident that people from Guangdong, Anhui, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Guizhou, and other regions across China are actively participating in this practice. Those joining in include recent university graduates, long-term unemployed youth, and stay-at-home mothers.

For example, a female blogger from Anhui, known as “Rong Rong Daily,” recently shared her experience of picking up vegetables at the Hefei Zhougudui wholesale market. She mentioned that with her monthly mortgage payment amounting to 25,000 RMB, she decided to give picking up vegetables a try after seeing numerous videos online showcasing this money-saving method.

As more and more people join the ranks of vegetable pickers, there are mixed opinions among netizens. Some comment positively, discussing the benefits of saving money this way, while others express doubts, questioning the authenticity of these actions as merely seeking attention.

One blogger commented on the phenomenon of young people picking up vegetables, describing it as a reflection of underlying hardships. He raised concerns about the economic downturn, stagnant incomes, and the desperate measures young people are forced to take to lower their living costs. He criticized the rising prices of vegetables in supermarkets, questioning why farmers are unable to receive fair prices for their produce. He emphasized the importance of optimizing distribution channels and breaking monopolies to foster more efficient resource allocation, rather than burdening the most vulnerable consumers. He concluded that true thriftiness should focus on systemic restructuring rather than individual struggles.

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s economy has been continuously struggling, leading to a surge in unemployment among the middle-aged and youth population. The rising unemployment rate among young people aged 16-24 reached a peak in July, indicating a challenging employment situation for graduates entering the workforce. Recent graduates are finding themselves in a difficult position where job opportunities are scarce, contributing to a sense of despair and uncertainty.

Videos shared by young individuals, who express their struggles with unemployment after graduating, reflect the harsh reality faced by many. Some describe their daily routines of sleep, minimal eating, and endless scrolling through job listings and social media platforms. The frustration and despair of not being able to secure a stable job are evident in their emotional outbursts captured in videos.

In the current climate where many in China struggle to meet mortgage payments and sustain daily consumption, reliance on borrowing to survive has increased. It is estimated that between 25 to 34 million people in China defaulted on personal loans in 2024. This has led to a surge in online lending platforms, creating a debt trap for many individuals, especially the youth, due to high-interest rates.