Warm and loving meals

These bowls of porridge, given with love and care, were delivered directly to the patients.

The "Zero-Cost Canteen" Nhat Tam, located at 328 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Hac Thanh Ward, has long been a familiar address for many patients at Thanh Hoa Provincial General Hospital, Thanh Hoa Mental Hospital, and Thanh Hoa Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. With their heartfelt dedication, the volunteers have poured their hearts and souls into carefully selecting ingredients and preparing a variety of daily meals, such as fried spring rolls, vegetables, and beans, ensuring nutrition and food safety. Notably, these dishes are purely vegetarian, all prepared from plant-based ingredients to provide delicious meals for the patients.

Having volunteered since the establishment's early days, Ms. Bui Thi Phuong from Hac Thanh ward shared: "Each person who comes to receive meals here has a different situation, but they all have one thing in common: life is still full of hardships and difficulties. Sympathizing with those difficulties, the volunteers here don't mind the hard work, waking up early to prepare everything such as going to the market, picking vegetables, cooking, and distributing each meal... and everyone works with a sense of urgency and responsibility. I feel happy to be doing something meaningful for poor patients."

Receiving a meal from the volunteers, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung from Thieu Quang commune was moved to tears as he recounted his family's circumstances. Mr. Hung is disabled and recently suffers from lung and spinal degenerative diseases, making mobility difficult. Frequent treatment at the Provincial General Hospital and other hospitals has further exacerbated his already difficult financial situation , as the cost of medication and living expenses is substantial. Due to financial constraints, Mr. Hung regularly goes to the community center to receive these charitable meals.

“Although it’s vegetarian food, the meals are very fresh and delicious. Each meal usually includes three side dishes and vegetable soup. Coming here, I personally feel the love and care of the volunteers who are so attentive and thoughtful when distributing the meals. I am grateful for the kind hearts of the volunteers,” Mr. Hung said.

The "Zero-Cost Canteen" in Thanh Hoa is the 19th canteen in a nationwide chain. Ms. Nguyen Thi Khuyen, the head of the "Zero-Cost Canteen" in Thanh Hoa, said: "The canteen started operating in 2021, initially with funding mainly from the founder and participating members. However, after a period of operation, it has received support from many people, joining hands to spread love. Currently, volunteers provide 400-500 meals daily to underprivileged patients at several hospitals in Hac Thanh ward."

In addition to running the "Zero-Cost Canteen" in Thanh Hoa, Ms. Nguyen Thi Khuyen also participates in many other charitable activities. Over the years, she has always been a "bridge" connecting people to spread love and help patients in difficult circumstances. The "Tam Nhu Compassionate Health-Enhancing Porridge" is one such activity. Regularly on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, she and volunteers prepare milk cooked with various grains and distribute it to poor patients at several hospitals in Hac Thanh ward, such as the Oncology Hospital, the Children's Hospital, and the Thanh Hoa Mental Hospital...

The "Tam Nhu Charitable Health-Enhancing Porridge" has been in operation for 7 years and has always attracted the active participation of many people. Holding a bowl of porridge in her hands, Ms. Phung Thi Hue from Bim Son ward emotionally shared: "My family is very poor; my husband suffers from mental illness, and I myself have poor health, so life is extremely difficult. In this difficult situation, receiving a bowl of porridge filled with love, I, like the other patients here, am deeply moved and always grateful for the kindness of the volunteers who always show love and help to those in unfortunate circumstances. This is a great source of motivation for me to continue my treatment."

With the motto "It's not the gift itself, but the way it's given," and with the compassion in each person, giving joyfully will spread love. Therefore, for many years, "Zero-Cost Canteen," "Tam Nhu's Compassionate Health-Enhancing Porridge Pot," and many other charitable activities in the province have not only provided warm and loving meals but also fostered connections between people. Here, people find a sense of sharing, especially patients in difficult circumstances, helping them live more positively and strive for a better life.

Text and photos: Trung Hieu

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nhung-suat-com-am-ap-yeu-thuong-258847.htm