Every Thursday morning, Tac Van Parish comes alive with the "Free Breakfast" initiative implemented right on its grounds. From dawn, a group of about 10 volunteers are present, dividing up the tasks of arranging plates, tables, and chairs, preparing soup and cooked food to display in the spacious courtyard. Everything is ready until 6 a.m. when they open the doors to welcome underprivileged people, manual laborers, and others to enjoy breakfast.
Father Dinh Thanh Dat, Deputy Parish Priest of Tac Van, who initiated the "Free Breakfast" initiative, shared: “Many people here are in difficult circumstances. Every year I organize the distribution of essential goods up to four times. However, I find this less effective than opening a free breakfast restaurant that can be maintained long-term and sustainably, where the poor can come and have a meal. Many members outside the parish also participate, helping us implement the model and jointly spreading charity and love. I hope this activity will continue.”
Funding for the initiative comes from benefactors both within and outside the province. Encouragingly, even non-religious people are very supportive. Here, those who can donate money contribute financially, and those who can help contribute their efforts. Many tasks are arranged and divided appropriately by Father Dat and the parishioners so that everyone can contribute to this meaningful work. The cooking group consists of 10 women who are Catholic and regularly participate in parish activities. They divide up the tasks of shopping, preparing food, and cooking soup. The serving group consists of men who prepare bowls, plates, tables, and chairs. Everyone gathers and carries out their duties about three days before the "Free Breakfast" event takes place.
The cooking team continuously serves customers both for dine-in and takeout. Despite working non-stop, the women remain cheerful.
Ms. Phan Thi Be, from Hamlet 3, Tac Van Commune, said: “We are very happy that Father Dat announced the implementation of this model. For us, breakfast is extremely important. Starting the day with a hot, nutritious, and delicious meal makes us more enthusiastic about our work. Those who come here to eat are mostly struggling laborers and poor people, so they appreciate it very much. Many of them eat here and then ask to take food home for sick relatives who cannot travel to the parish, and we always accommodate them.”
On its very first day, the "Free Breakfast" program distributed 200 meals, costing a total of 3.6 million VND. The program will continue to operate every Thursday. The customers are diverse, including poor laborers, underprivileged children attending school near the parish, and their parents.
Father Dinh Thanh Dat shared: “We welcome everyone with warmth and love. Not only the poor, but also more than 30 children in the charity class in the parish receive this breakfast. The staff carefully observe whether the meal is delicious, and then adjust the cooking and seasoning accordingly. This attention makes me happy because the following meals will be even better as the staff put their hearts into it.”
In these times of soaring prices, manual laborers and the poor struggle to make ends meet, earning less than their family expenses, and "Free Breakfast" becomes a small comfort for them in their busy lives.
The "Free Breakfast" event takes place within the grounds of Tac Van Parish, offering a spacious and comfortable environment for attendees.
Sitting at the restaurant and savoring a steaming bowl of noodles with fresh shrimp and meat, Mr. Tran Van Nhieu, from Hamlet 1, Tac Van Commune, shared: “I earn a living as a motorbike taxi driver, and my family are also manual laborers; life is still difficult. Having a delicious and free breakfast like this is a great relief. I get to eat, and I can even take some home for my relatives.”
After rushing off to pick up a motorbike taxi, Mr. Pham Van Khanh (residing in Lung Xinh hamlet, Dinh Thanh commune, Dong Hai district, Bac Lieu province) stopped by the "Free Breakfast" to receive a meal for his wife at home, who is ill and unable to work. Mr. Khanh's face brightened as he no longer worried about the cost of food today. He said: "My wife's medicine costs a lot. Every morning I have to think about earning money for her medication, so breakfast is usually just a potato or an ear of corn that kind neighbors give me. I heard from my fellow motorbike taxi drivers that there's a free breakfast here, so I came to try it. It's delicious. I also got a portion to take home for my wife. She'll be very happy because it's not every day she gets to eat something so good."
The "Free Breakfast" event is bustling with people coming and going, radiating enthusiasm and positive spirit. Hot bowls of noodles are given away, and happy smiles are received in return. To enrich the "Free Breakfast," many benefactors also donate bread, milk, and other items. Any leftover funds from previous meals are carried over to subsequent meals, ensuring a continuous supply. If funds run out, Father Dat and the parishioners continue to provide support and raise more. In this way, the "Free Breakfast" continues with all the effort, sharing love and warmth with those working in difficult circumstances.
Lam Khanh
Source: https://baocamau.vn/-bua-sang-0-dong-am-tinh-giao-xu-a38499.html
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