Since the first two so-called ‘Rice ATMs’ began operation in the front of the Da Nang Youth Federation headquarters on 20 April, 23.7 tonnes of rice have been provided free to around 12,000 residents in Da Nang affected by the coronavirus pandemic, mainly low-income earners and the disable.

A resident receiving free rice from a Rice ATM

66-year-old man residing in Lien Chieu District’s Hoa Khanh Nam Ward said the coronavirus pandemic is truly a fatal blow to independent casual workers, including lottery ticket sellers like him, especially after nationwide social distancing measures were put in place for 3 weeks from 1 April.

The disabled man said despite his old age and his amputated legs, he shoulders the full burden of raising two children aged over 40 with mental and eye problems. He, therefore, said that he was very happy after receiving free rice.

“The thing I need most now is rice. I hope that such rice dispensers will be set up in Lien Chieu District to enable me to easily access free rice during the pandemic” the man added.

As of 6pm on 22 April, the Da Nang Newspaper and the organisers of the 'Compassion Rice' charity programme have received 155 tonnes of rice, 240 million VND in cash, 30,000 cloth face masks and other items.

The donated money will be used to buy such necessities as chicken eggs, cooking oil and soy sauce for those in need.

The Son Tra District authorities announced on Wednesday that a rice dispenser will be set up on Tran Hung Dao Street. It is expected that the rice dispenser will run from 24 April until 24 May, and the machine will operate from 7.30am - 11.30am, and from 1.30pm - 5.00pm daily.

By MAI QUE, HOANG HIEP - Translated by MAI DUNG