The government is bringing back a programme in July that offers discounted dining vouchers to elderly citizens in need, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun announced on Friday.

The Caring Food Coupon Programme will start its second phase in July, he said, distributing a total of 50,000 voucher sets.

Each set will include coupons valid for one meal at each of six participating restaurant chains: Cafe de Coral, Fairwood, Tai Hing, Maxim's, McDonald's and Ngan Lung Restaurant.

Sun said this initiative builds on the success of its first phase, which ran this year.

"Based on the last time when we provided lunch coupons to the elderly, the actual usage rate is around 76 percent, but it varies among different restaurant chains," he said.

"We are going to observe this time as well.

"We are going to step up promotional efforts, and as elderly users are getting used to obtaining the coupons and using them, we will see how the usage rate will be this time around."

Catering sector lawmaker Tommy Cheung said seniors can enjoy breakfasts at a discounted price of HK$15.

"Aside from celebrating the 28th anniversary of the SAR's establishment in July, many businesses want to give breakfast vouchers to our seniors," he said.

"Why breakfast vouchers in July? It is because we are worried that it will be too hot in the afternoon, so we want to encourage seniors to get used to going out early for breakfast.

"At the same time, we also made an agreement last month to provide afternoon tea vouchers in October for the National Day holiday given that the weather will be cooler."