7th June 2025 – (Hong Kong) Agape Garden located at Shop G06, G/F, Mei Kwai House, Shek Kip Mei Estate, 13 Pak Tin Street, Shek Kip Mei, announced today (7th) on social media that it may close in early July as the Housing Department has issued a written notice to reclaim the premises for alternative uses. The eatery, which regularly provides meals to elderly individuals in need and serves as a feeding hub for over 50 street cats, expressed concerns about the implications of this closure during a media interview. Following the Housing Department’s directive, the kitchen may have to resort to purchasing cat food with personal funds, potentially adding financial strain.
The social enterprise, known for its community support initiatives, shared its farewell message on Facebook, expressing deep sorrow at the prospect of closure due to the Housing Department’s decision. The heartfelt post reflected on the memories and efforts poured into the small Shek Kip Mei establishment, highlighting the impending closure in early July.
Regularly providing meals to underprivileged seniors and acting as a vital resource for street cats, the kitchen’s post also conveyed gratitude to patrons and friends for their unwavering support, which enabled daily meals for seniors and provided shelter for stray cats, along with creating employment opportunities for marginalized groups. The post concluded with a sentiment of preserving the cherished memories shared throughout the kitchen’s operation.
The kitchen’s contributions extend beyond meals, with a significant role in supporting the local community. As per information from the Hong Kong Animal Post, the kitchen serves as a feeding station for over 50 street cats in Shek Kip Mei, collecting donated cat food from the public and distributing it to 12 designated cat caregivers. The kitchen’s impending closure raises concerns about the future provision of cat food to these caregivers, potentially impacting their welfare.
The closure notice follows a series of challenges for the kitchen, including a previous incident where a considerable number of mooncakes were impounded due to alleged unknown origins. While awaiting a court ruling on an appeal against the removal of the mooncakes, the kitchen received instructions to temporarily suspend contract renewals.
Previously operating at Cheerful Court in Ngau Tau Kok, the kitchen shifted to Shek Kip Mei Estate in August 2020 after the conclusion of its contract with the housing authority. The closure announcement marks a significant development for the kitchen, which has been a vital community resource since its establishment in 2017.