Assistance given to needy people during social distancing days

Essential items such as rice, cooking oil and fish sauce, along with vegetables and canned food, have been given free of charge to workers who have reduced income or lost their jobs, students who have been stuck in dormitories, people with disabilities and policy beneficiaries, through the model of “zero dong mini supermarket” in Hanoi.

The supermarket was located at the headquarters of Duc Thang Ward People’s Committee in Bac Tu Liem District, serving about 1,000 employees, students with difficult circumstances and policy beneficiaries through the donation of vouchers worth VND400,000 each.
The supermarket was located at the headquarters of Duc Thang Ward People’s Committee in Bac Tu Liem District, serving about 1,000 employees, students with difficult circumstances and policy beneficiaries through the donation of vouchers worth VND400,000 each.

The model was launched by Hanoi municipal Youth Union and the City’s Student Association in collaboration with Red Star Entrepreneur Club, Phu Nhuan, Jewelry Joint Stock Company, the Young Business Association and the Women Entrepreneurs Association.

Tran Quang Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Youth Union said: “Through this activity, we want to bring necessities to people in difficult circumstances during the social distancing days and spread love among people. For those who can't come to buy in person, volunteers will bring essentials to their homes."

Over 60 items have been sold at the supermarket, including dry food, spices and vegetables. There were many products under the One Commune – One Product programme in Hanoi.

Only three people can buy goods at a time. They are always asked to keep a safe distance, make medical declarations, take their temperature and wash their hands with sanitizer.

The items are classified by different areas including food, dry food, fresh food and spices, so that customers can select easily.

Nguyen Thi Hien in Duc Thang Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, said that since beginning of social distancing, four members of her family have had to temporarily stay at home, without income. She has been hospitalised for treatment, so her family has faced more difficulties.

“These necessities will help poor workers like us reduce the burden in life”, added Hien.

The staff in the mini supermarket help people select and package products.

Essential items have been replenished continuously, especially green vegetables.

Youth volunteers assisting people.

The joy of Ngo Thi Kim from Hoang Tang Bi after buying many essential items from the zero dong mini supermarket.

Translated by NDO