Behind the scenes of the mealtimes

Deep within coal mines, hundreds of meters below the surface, or on sun-drenched, windswept open-pit levels, coal miners tirelessly labor every day to bring tons of precious coal to the surface. But behind that ceaseless flow of coal lies a special force, silently contributing to maintaining the health and energy of the miners: the cooks in the communal kitchens of the coal industry units.

Before dawn even broke, the kitchen of the Uong Bi Coal Company - TKV's Life 1 kitchen was already ablaze with activity. The sounds of knives and cutting boards, pots and pans, and food carts blended together, creating the bustling rhythm of a new day's work.

Ms. Le Thi Thu Hien, a cook with nearly 20 years of experience, along with her colleagues at the Life Support Workshop 1, is busy preparing thousands of meals for the workers. Hot trays of food are continuously brought to the serving area. The job, seemingly just everyday kitchen work, actually demands meticulousness, precision, and responsibility no less than any other production stage.

Standing beside the trays of food prepared for the third shift of miners in the Dong Vong area, Ms. Hien shared her thoughts: "The cooks also work very hard, but thinking about the miners working underground who are even more exhausted, we always try our best. If the rice isn't delicious or the soup isn't flavorful after the shift, we feel guilty. The meal must be nutritious and hot so that the miners have the strength to continue working."

A view of the canteen at the Life Support Workshop 1, Uong Bi Coal Company - TKV.

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The third shift mealtime at the Uong Bi Coal Company's canteen - TKV is bustling with groups of workers excitedly entering the self-service area. On the counter, nearly 30 dishes are neatly and attractively arranged. Some choose braised meat, others add green vegetables, while some prefer fish dishes or refreshing soups. This scene surprises many who see it for the first time; because this isn't a high-end buffet restaurant, but a canteen serving miners. From the monotonous pre-portioned meals of the past, the miners' meals today have been upgraded to a self-service format with a rich menu, catering to the diverse needs and tastes of the workers.

A worker who had just finished his cheerful lunch break said: "There are so many dishes to choose from each day, so we all enjoy our meals more. After working hard in the mine, being able to eat a hot meal like this on the surface makes us feel very comfortable and gives us more motivation to work. The cooks are also very enthusiastic and quick; they ask about our well-being and listen to our feedback on the quality of the meals."

Not only Uong Bi Coal Mine, but all units in the coal industry are striving every day to take care of the health of miners through their meals. Behind the attractive trays of food for the miners is a meticulous process organized by the welfare units. The meal menu for miners must be carefully planned to ensure that the dishes are not repetitive, are nutritionally balanced, suitable for the weather, and the specific nature of the miners' work. Especially for those working hundreds of meters below the surface, expending a lot of energy, nutrition is always a top priority. Food groups rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and easily digestible foods are scientifically arranged in each meal.

The "Trade Union Meal" program serves workers. In the photo: A trade union meal at Da Bac Stone Logistics Company - TKV.

In addition to ensuring nutrition, the units also implement very effective methods to keep food warm. Due to the nature of mining, which depends on the production schedule underground, workers eat at various times. Therefore, the catering staff must organize continuous cooking and operate the heating system constantly so that those eating early or late can enjoy quality meals.

In the modernization of the coal industry, along with the mechanization of mining, industrial kitchens are also changing every day. Lunch breaks are no longer simply about satisfying hunger, but have become an important part of employee welfare policies, contributing to building a humane and sustainable working environment for the Vietnam Coal and Mineral Industry Group .

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Throughout 90 years of building and developing the working class in the mining region, the tradition of "discipline and unity" has not only been forged in the mine shafts and deep coal seams, but is also present in every ordinary task behind the production site. Behind each shift meal lies the responsibility, love of the profession, and dedication of those who "keep the flame alive." They do not directly mine coal, but they contribute to the health and spirit of those who produce the nation's coal. Those drops of sweat by the silent hearth deserve to be cherished as an indispensable part of the 90-year journey of the heroic working class in the mining region.

Hoang Yen

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/dang-sau-nhung-bua-com-ca-3411795.html