Phu Dinh militiamen look forward to twice-monthly volunteer food mission

Twice a month, soldiers from the permanent militia in Ho Chi Minh City’s Phu Dinh Ward gather at a volunteer kitchen for what they call a special mission: preparing and handing out more than 1,200 meals.

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We always look forward to the day when we can come together to give meaningful meals to local people.

The “Sharing Love” program is run by the Phu Dinh Ward Military Command with the Sen Hong volunteer kitchen. At each session, the team distributes about 1,200 to 1,300 portions to struggling workers and elderly people living alone.

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We only hope to contribute a little of our effort so people can have a warm meal.

The militiamen arrive early to prepare ingredients, pack the meals and distribute them. Pham Minh Toan, a 25-year-old squad leader, said, “We always look forward to the day when we can come together to give meaningful meals to local people.” He said the soldiers mainly help with preparation, portioning, distribution and cleanup, adding, “We only hope to contribute a little of our effort so people can have a warm meal.”

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People here are very warm-hearted and treat us like their own children and grandchildren.

Do Thiện Linh, another squad leader, said residents treated the soldiers like family and that direct contact helped them understand people’s circumstances. One recipient, 69-year-old Dai Xam, took two portions for himself and his wife, who has painful joints and difficulty walking. He said the meals helped the couple reduce some household expenses.

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I have received food here many times, and it is delicious.