Farmer ships food to front line of epidemic

Zhang and workers on his farm packed the vegetables the day before. The next morning, after a one-hour drive donning masks and goggles, they arrived at a friend's store before the supplies were to be sent to medical workers and police by Dada delivery, a logistics company.

"I first began with people I knew. Through them, I am now able to help 11 more medical workers who are now in Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus," Zhang said on Sunday.

"My wife told me to stay at my farm to be safe. But I also have her support for this donation."

Given the severe coronavirus epidemic situation, Zhang's family is surely worried about him. He said stocks on his farm are in short supply so he bought 700 jin of vegetables and 2,400 eggs from other farmers.

Despite three times normal prices, he has shipped 1,100 jin of vegetables and 4,500 eggs free of charge and even paid nearly $500 in logistics costs.

This is really timely help! Thank you so much!" many recipients told Zhang on WeChat.

Many of his friends have now joined him after his deeds were shared in WeChat. Zhong will ship the supplies to the front line fighters once a week if the epidemic continues.

"I hope tomorrow is my last drive and hope we can win this battle against the virus as soon as possible," he said.

Lin Yuanjun contributed to this story.