For more than a year, members of the Women’s Union chapter in residential area 15, Hoa An Ward, Cam Le District, Da Nang, have provided 100 free lunch portions for poor workers and people in difficult circumstances every Tuesday under the model of a zero-dong kitchen.

A part of the operating costs of the model comes from the collection and classification of waste at source by the local women.

According to Mrs. Phan Thi Xuan An, Head of the Women's Union chapter in residential area 15, Hoa An Ward, Cam Le District, the waste classification at source has been launched among all women's members. After the classification, old books and newspapers, beer cans, and other recyclable items will be sold to raise funds to maintain the model of a zero-dong kitchen and other social welfare activities. Photo: TRUONG KY

The zero-dong kitchen has been established since the summer 2021 with more than 20 members of the Women's Union chapter and young volunteers involved. Photo: TRUONG KY

The lunch boxes ensure enough nutrition with meat, vegetables, tubers, soup, and others. Photo: TRUONG KY

Every Tuesday noon, an average of 100 portions of lunch meals and drinks are given to needy people. Photo: TRUONG KY

At 10:30am, the lunch portions are given to those in need. Photo: TRUONG KY

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Mai, 76, temporarily residing in An Khe Ward, Thanh Khe District, works as a scrap collector. Every Tuesday noon, she gets two take-out boxes for lunch and dinner. "I'm old, so it is quite difficult and expensive for me to cook daily. Therefore, such free portions of meals are very meaningful for low-income earners like me" said Mrs. Mai. Photo: TRUONG KY.

Working as a ‘xe om’ (motorbike taxi) driver, Mr. Tran Van Tho, 74, temporarily residing in Hoa Khanh Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District, shows his excitement as receiving a free lunch portion from volunteers. Photo: TRUONG KY

 Reporting by TRUONG KY - Translating by M.DUNG