In just over two weeks since its opening, a tiny noodle shop in Ca Mau Province, southern Vietnam, has become a beacon of hope for the poor and homeless, offering them a warm meal for just VND1,000 (4 U.S. cents).

Located in Ward 5 in the provincial city of Ca Mau, the shop is the brainchild of Truong Minh Duong and his friends, who saw first-hand how hard life is for the city’s struggling workers like street vendors, lottery ticket sellers, scrap collectors, and other individuals who barely make enough to survive.

Elaborating on reasons why they started this noodle shop, Duong recalled several times when he saw people faint from low blood sugar while selling lottery tickets because they were skipping meals just to save money.

“We charge VND1,000 per bowl, so they don’t feel like they’re receiving a handout but rather paying for their meal like everyone else,” he said.

Each bowl of noodles comes with eggs, vegetables, and sausages -- a modest but fulfilling meal for those in need.

Among the eatery’s regulars is Trang, a lottery ticket seller who daily earns around VND100,000 ($4). After covering rent, utilities, and school fees for her child, she is left with just VND20,000 ($0.8) per day for food.

“Before this shop opened, I’d cook rice at home and bring it along to save money. Now, I come here every day. The food is delicious, and I’ve saved so much. I truly appreciate what they’re doing for us,” Trang said.

The eatery operates on a self-service basis, with customers voluntarily dropping VND1,000 into a collection box after their meal. However, no one is turned away if they cannot pay.

One elderly man, Chau Phu Vinh, 82, hesitated outside the shop, admitting he had not made any money that day collecting scraps. 

When Vinh softly asked if he could still eat, the staff quickly assured him he was welcome and served him a full meal.

Vinh, a native of Tran Van Thoi District in Ca Mau, pedals through alleyways and markets collecting recyclables, earning only VND2 million ($80) per month. After rent and basic expenses, little remains for food.

“This place is a blessing,” Vinh said, his voice shaking with gratitude.

Many patrons, after experiencing the kindness of the shop, return to donate instant noodles, eggs, and sausages rather than money. Others leave larger amounts in the donation box to sustain the initiative.

Staff member Ngo Huyen Tran shared that despite the demanding work, seeing the smiles of those they help makes every effort worthwhile.

“In my previous job at a café, I had it easier. But nothing compares to the joy of seeing people leave here full and happy,” she said.

Despite being open for only a short time, the shop has already touched hundreds of lives.

Duong and his team now dream of opening more locations so that more people can have a place to turn to when hunger strikes.

“We keep records of all donations and publicly report them on our social media channel,” Duong said. 

“We want to ensure transparency and encourage others to contribute.”

Local authorities, including Tran Huu Long, vice-chairman of the Ward 5 People’s Committee, have pledged their support, recognizing the initiative’s positive impact.

“This project is truly meaningful as it alleviates hardship and supports those in need,” Long said. 

“We will do everything possible to help it continue for years to come."

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