The Smile Food Shop is a small, community-run kitchen with a big mission — to provide healthy, affordable meals to people in need across Ho Chi Minh City. Since opening its doors in 2012, the shop has become a daily lifeline for hundreds of locals, offering nutritious food for just 2,000 VND (about 10 cents).
Each day, the shop serves between 300 and 500 people, including elderly residents, students, children, people with disabilities, and low-income workers. The meals are simple but hearty, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
As a volunteer, you’ll play an important role in supporting this effort. While cooking is handled by trained staff for safety reasons, your help with food preparation, serving, and keeping the kitchen clean ensures that operations run smoothly.
This is a hands-on role where your contributions are immediately visible and appreciated. You’ll be working side by side with local volunteers and NGO staff, becoming part of a team that’s making a real difference in the community.
During the Tet Holiday, when the Smile Food Shop closes, volunteers continue the work by helping prepare meals at the accommodation and delivering them to nearby hospitals — ensuring no one goes hungry during this important time of year.
