摘要
CHINA＇S charity supermarkets derive from the charity shops seen in the West, such as Oxfam and St. Vincent de Paul. They operate as a channel for providing alms to low-income and poverty-stricken families, either free of charge or at a low price. On May 18, 2003, China＇s first charity supermarket opened in Shanghai, and since then, more have mushroomed in various parts of the country. In July 2004, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs issued a circular encouraging the country＇s large and medium-sized cities to set up such supermarkets, and help the poor to shake off the shackles of poverty.
