Charity kitchen - More than just a meal

There are people who quietly prepare nutritious meals every day and deliver them to poor laborers and patients in difficult circumstances, as a way to give strength and motivation to live for those less fortunate.

From 3,000 VND rice stalls to free kitchens

At 4 a.m., the small kitchen in alley 14A, Dien Bien Phu Street (Ninh Thanh Ward, Tay Ninh Province) was already ablaze with activity. Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan (50 years old) was chopping vegetables while reminding the kitchen staff: “Today we’re cooking new rice, Mr. Nhan, remember to adjust the water level. This rice requires a little less water than usual, otherwise it will be mushy and not taste good. Ms. Thuan, help prepare the water spinach; we’ll stir-fry it later…” Around them, some were chopping, some were washing rice, and others were cooking – each person doing their part, their rhythmic movements like a familiar wheel.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan is preparing glutinous rice balls in sweet soup to give away to people during the Vu Lan festival.

This is a room that an acquaintance lent to Ms. Lan to use as a vegetarian kitchen for over 6 years now. She recounts that the charitable kitchen originated from a 3,000 VND vegetarian restaurant that she and her husband opened 13 years ago.

“Back then, I was also struggling financially. Later, when things improved a bit, I wanted to share with those in need, so my husband and I opened a small eatery. At that time, I thought that opening a restaurant would provide a place for anyone in need to eat, at a flat price of 3,000 dong, regardless of how much they ate!” – Ms. Lan recalled.

Initially, the couple managed everything themselves, from paying rent to buying ingredients. The shop became a familiar destination for people in difficult circumstances and gradually spread the spirit of compassion to many others.

"At first, I didn't dare accept support from anyone. I thought that since I had started doing this, I should take care of it myself, but then many kind-hearted people came to support me so we could spread good things together," said Ms. Lan.

Every day, 300 meals are shared, a gesture of kindness from everyone. Some contribute money, others labor, some send bags of rice, and others donate vegetables and fruits. Mrs. Sau Cam, 75 years old, has been present every day, helping with preparing vegetables and cleaning up for the past six years. Mr. Sau Hanh, a volunteer since the 3,000 VND meal stall, is in charge of distributing and delivering the meals. Mrs. Tran Thi Muong, who lives near the stall, sets aside a small amount of money each month to help in the kitchen. She says, "Sometimes it's 100,000 VND, sometimes 200,000 VND; I want to contribute a small part to help in the kitchen."

Many vegetables and fruits were donated to the vegetarian kitchen by benefactors.

At exactly 10 o'clock, the rice was divided into individual boxes with 7 dishes: 4 stir-fried and boiled dishes; 2 braised dishes and 1 soup. Then, motorbikes carrying the rice delivered it to three familiar distribution points: the market in Ward 4 (Vo Thi Sau Street, Tan Ninh Ward), Gate 4 of the Holy See (Long Hoa Ward), and a point in Alley 4, Nguyen Van Rop Street (Tan Ninh Ward). And of course, the kitchen also prepared meals for distribution right there in the kitchen of Alley 14A, Dien Bien Phu Street.

Beyond providing meals, when families in difficult circumstances face hardship or a family crisis, Ms. Lan, along with her parishioners and friends, provides support from funeral arrangements to logistical assistance. “Whether within or outside the province, when we hear about a family's situation, we are always ready to arrange to help them. Everything is free. Many kind-hearted people, aware of our work, also join hands to help families overcome difficult times.”

During the recent Mid-Autumn Festival (the 15th day of the 7th lunar month), the vegetarian kitchen also generously prepared over 2,000 glutinous rice balls in sweet soup to distribute to everyone. This is a regular activity of the group every time the Vu Lan Festival comes around. For Ms. Lan, receiving smiles in return for each portion of sweet soup is the most precious reward.

Sharing from the heart

Although the cooking times are not fixed, the volunteer group led by Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Lien (66 years old, residing in Ninh Son ward) still maintains the practice of bringing warm meals to poor patients 2-3 times a month.

Ms. Lien's group consists of about 6 family members. As the cooking day approached, she contacted the social work department of Tay Ninh General Hospital to register the date and quantity of the meal.

"On average, we prepare about 500 meals at a time, sometimes noodle soup, sometimes steamed rice rolls, sometimes vegetarian rice, sometimes non-vegetarian rice. My sisters and I don't widely solicit donations, but close friends occasionally contribute a little to share with the patients," Ms. Lien shared.

The meals prepared by Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Lien's volunteer group were delivered to Tay Ninh General Hospital.

From dawn, the whole team busied themselves preparing and cooking the food. By noon, the meals were loaded onto a truck and transported to the hospital. There, each meal was handed directly to the patients and their relatives. "Sometimes, standing in the hospital courtyard and watching the patients and their relatives happily eating bowls of noodle soup, all the fatigue just disappears," Mrs. Lien said with a gentle smile.

For Ms. Lien and her group, volunteering isn't about waiting until you have the means; you can help as much as you can, or as little as you can. Her story is as simple as the meals the group painstakingly prepares.

Many people in difficult circumstances come to receive meals at the vegetarian kitchen.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, there are still quiet kitchens where the fire burns brightly every day. From Ms. Lan's small alley to Mrs. Lien's family kitchen, love is poured into every meal.

These are not just meals, but also encouragement and sharing. And it is these charitable kitchens that contribute to spreading goodness in life.

Khai Tuong

Source: https://baolongan.vn/bep-an-tu-thien-hon-ca-mot-bua-com-a202281.html