Parishes help supply food for those affected by COVID-19 in Huế

Parishes help supply food for those affected by COVID-19 in Huế

THỪA THIÊN HUẾ — A lunch box or a loaf of bread costs very little, but it brings great sentimental value for COVID- 一 九 patients and those severely affected by the pandemic.

In central Thừa Thiên – Huế Province, many dignitaries such as bishops, priests and religious leaders have rolled up their sleeves to bring nutritious meals to people in difficult circumstances, especially those in quarantine or locked down areas.

A warm lunchbox with fish, pork, vegetable, broth or a loaf of fresh bread with toppings has helped those in need overcome hardships and spread good deeds in the co妹妹unity.

In the cold weather of the last days of the year, members of Thiện Tâm (Tranquil Mind) group are busy putting food into boxes, which will be delivered to those in difficult circumstances, migrant labourers and patients being treated at Kim Long Health Clinic of the Archdiocese of Huế.

The group was founded by Father Lê Văn Hồng accompanying the sisters of the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Visitation. The group, with  一 七 members, have given thousands of meals to those in need for the past six months.

Every Tuesday and Friday, the group cooks and distributes lunchboxes free of charge. The work starts at  六am, including going to the market for fresh produce, processing and cooking food, wrapping it up and loading the meals into a car for delivery. Each portion of rice includes fish, meat, vegetables, soup, fruit and a bottle of water.

Sister Huỳnh Thị Thành, a group member, said the group used to distribute lunchboxes at No  六 Hà Nội Street in Huế City, but they decided to bring meals to COVID- 一 九 patients when the pandemic worsened.

Thành said she as well as other members were volunteers to give a helping hand. The members spent their money to buy food, used their car to deliver meals, and did all the preparatory work.

The group received phone calls from some people who wanted to contribute rice and vegetables, she said.

On average, the group prepares about  二00 meals free of charge per day. It also sells rice at a cost of VNĐ 五,000 per box.

Nguyễn Thị Phượng Liên, another group member, said they collected a small amount of money so that people would feel more comfortable when receiving the lunchbox. The money would be used to buy food for the future.

Father Lê Văn Hồng said the group was founded when Archbishop Joseph Nguyễn Chí Linh, President of the Vietnamese Bishops' Conference, Archbishop of Huế Diocese, called upon Catholics in the province to help support people in HCM City during the pandemic.