A pillar of support for those facing hardship.

For a long time, at the Vuon Xoai Parish Church (District 3, Ho Chi Minh City), there has been a 2,000 VND rice restaurant, a familiar address for the poor and struggling laborers.

For just a symbolic price of 2,000 VND.

Nestled within the grounds of the Vườn Xoài parish church (Ward 12, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City), the 2,000 VND rice eatery is quiet and unassuming, silently becoming a haven for countless people facing hardship.

According to a reporter from the Industry and Trade Newspaper, the eatery is open from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, Monday to Friday. The customers are hardworking manual laborers, motorbike taxi drivers in worn-out uniforms, and students struggling to make ends meet.

With just a symbolic 2,000 dong, they voluntarily put it into the charity box, then received a hot, heartwarming meal. The simple meal of crispy fried chicken, fresh stir-fried vegetables, and a bowl of refreshing sour soup was so comforting.

Starting in September 2022, this meaningful activity began at Vuon Xoai Church.

In the churchyard, everyone enjoyed a meal together. Gentle laughter and kind words dispelled the fatigue and worries of daily life. After eating, people offered their seats to each other, all happening naturally and orderly. This scene moved anyone who witnessed it.

According to Father Peter Vu Minh Hung, parish priest of Vuon Xoai Church, he had been nurturing and implementing this model for eight years. Even after moving to Vuon Xoai in September 2022, he continued to maintain this meaningful activity.

“ The poor, immigrants, lottery ticket vendors, students from disadvantaged backgrounds – the soup kitchen was opened so that everyone could have a decent lunch. I feel happy to be able to share nutritious meals with them . ” “Everyone can come and eat, instead of just parishioners,” the priest emphasized.

Customers line up to receive their food.

The heartfelt contributions of generous donors.

To keep the soup kitchen running, the expenses are covered by the parish budget and contributions from benefactors.

The "staff" of the rice restaurant includes parishioners and even non-religious people. Those who cook the rice, those who prepare the vegetables, everyone works with a cheerful and voluntary spirit. Every step, from shopping for ingredients to preparing the dishes, is done with heartfelt dedication.

Although it only costs 2,000 dong, the meal here is always complete with a variety of dishes.

Mr. Ba Hung (53 years old, from St. Martin's parish), who has been involved in this charitable work since the beginning, has come to appreciate what he has even more after witnessing the lives of many people, and always strives his best to provide the most decent meals possible.

Mrs. Sau Nghia, an elderly woman over 80 years old, shared that she comes here every day for meals, saving a small amount of money to take care of her health in old age, while also enjoying delicious and warm meals. "The meals here are truly a great source of happiness for me."

Mr. Nguyen Van Ba, a motorbike taxi driver in District 3, shared: “Today they have chicken, tomorrow they have meat, fish sauce… Thank you to the restaurant for providing delicious meals, helping poor families like us, as well as factory workers, lottery ticket sellers, and construction laborers.”

The preparation of ingredients and the cooking process are very clean and meticulous.

The establishment of the 2,000 VND meal stall at Vuon Xoai parish church received strong support and close cooperation from the local authorities. In addition, the authorities proactively assigned the health department to monitor and provide guidance on food safety and hygiene issues, ensuring the health of the people.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/quan-com-2000-vuon-xoai-diem-tua-cho-phan-doi-kho-khan-367040.html