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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Zero Hunger

Nutrition Support for the Poor

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Interact and support the local community, getting to know the people that come to the project.
  • Help prepare and serve food to locals who need affordable meals.
  • Assist the local staff at the food shop, setting up the tables and serving meals to underprivileged local people

Highlights

  • Interact and support the local community, getting to know the people that come to the project.
  • Help prepare and serve food to locals who need affordable meals.
  • Assist the local staff at the food shop, setting up the tables and serving meals to underprivileged local people
  • Help with the serving of food and the washing up/ cleaning up of the kitchen
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help support a local NGO that provides low cost meals for locals who need affordable, quality meals.

    You will be volunteering at The Smile Food Shop, which was opened to help less privileged people by providing low cost lunches for only 2000 VND per meal (about 10 cents). Founded in 2012, The Smile Food shop is run by a local NGO, as well as passionate locals and overseas volunteers, like ...

    About the program

    You will be volunteering at The Smile Food Shop, which was opened to help less privileged people by providing low cost lunches for only 2000 VND per meal (about 10 cents). Founded in 2012, The Smile Food shop is run by a local NGO, as well as passionate locals and overseas volunteers, like yourself!

    Your daily duties may include food preparation, serving and cleaning up, as well as putting a smile on the faces of the people who greatly value this service.

    During the project you will help to with some food prep, serving the meals to around 500 people- mostly the elderly, local workers, persons with disabilities, students and children. These people come here for affordable and quality meals each day.

    This project can be at times challenging and tiring but always engaging. Knowing you are giving back to people who genuinely need and welcome your help is a greatly rewarding experience.

    The Food Shop program continues to run even when the NGO run facility is closed (including a month long closure around the Tet Holiday). During those periods, Food Shop volunteers will prepare food on-site at our accommodation kitchen and the free meals will be distributed at a local hospital to patients and local workers.

    *During the Lunar New Year and other holidays, a special program may be run. 

    Location
    Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is home to some 6 million people, most of whom you will see at some point during your stay as they whiz around town on their motorbikes. The city’s Tan Son Nhat Airport lies 7km north west of the city centre and is the most popular arrival point in Vietnam for international travellers. As well as long haul arrivals there are many flights to HCMC from within Asia, especially from Bangkok and Hong Kong.

    Project Tasks
    Help to generate funds so that the local people can continue to be provided with quality, healthy food at low costs
    Engage with the local people
    Assist the local staff at the food shop, serving meals to underprivileged local people

    Typical day

    Monday to Friday - 4-6 hours volunteering a day
    • Breakfast
    • Leave for the food shop project
    • Assist in the preparation of food, cleaning the area and serving food, etc.
    • Lunch at the food shop
    • Head back to the accommodation
    • Free time during the afternoon
    • Dinner
    ***This program is relocated during ...

    Typical day

    Monday to Friday - 4-6 hours volunteering a day
    • Breakfast
    • Leave for the food shop project
    • Assist in the preparation of food, cleaning the area and serving food, etc.
    • Lunch at the food shop
    • Head back to the accommodation
    • Free time during the afternoon
    • Dinner
    ***This program is relocated during periods/holidays when the NGO facility is closed and meals prepared by participants are then distributed at a local hospital***

    *Please be aware that transportation for projects during the week is only provided via bus (public transport). If any participant would like to use a taxi instead, they can do it at their own expense. Our team will assist in getting taxis if they prefer to do so.

    *Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 

    Free-time activities

    As a large city, Ho Chi Minh has a lot to offer from shops to Vietnamese water puppet shows. Here are a few suggestions:

    Backpacker street
    Bui Vien Street is the main street in Ho Chi Minh City, also called ‘backpacker street’. There are many cheap restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, massage ...

    Free-time activities

    As a large city, Ho Chi Minh has a lot to offer from shops to Vietnamese water puppet shows. Here are a few suggestions:

    Backpacker street
    Bui Vien Street is the main street in Ho Chi Minh City, also called ‘backpacker street’. There are many cheap restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, massage parlours, markets, tour agencies and hotels/hostels. This is a great place for tourists to shop, dine, entertainment and to party!

    Landmark 81
    Landmark 81 is the tallest skyscraper in Southeast Asia. It towers over the rest of Ho Chi Minh’s buildings and has incredible views form the top. Not only that, it also has an ice rink, virtual reality game, restaurant and shops!

    Bitexco tower
    Another place to go for a great view of the city. There is an observation deck (Saigon Skydeck) open daily and offering panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City. From floors 50 to 52, there are more entertainment facilities, including a fine dining restaurant and bar/nightclub.

    Dam Sen cultural park and Water Park
    Fun for adults as well as kids, this water park is guaranteed to get you smiling! Plus, it also has some lovely gardens to walk around too. There’s animals, musical shows and restaurants too, making it a fun day trip.

    Thien Hau temple
    Thien Hau Temple is a beautiful Chinese temple, situated in district 5 of Ho Chi Minh city. It is dedicated to Thien Hau, (also named the Lady of the Sea). Inside there are many intricate carvings, statues and paintings, a very pretty and atmospheric place to visit.

    Vietnam Quoc Tu pagoda
    The Quoc Tu Pagoda is located in District 10 of Ho Chi Minh City, and is another interesting temple to explore, with its lovely incense smells, colourful statues, murals and shrines. It’s one of the tallest pagodas in the city with 7 floors. Usually only the first and second floors are open, but they open up the third and seventh floor to visitors every 15th of the month.

    Monkey Island
    A couple of hours out from the city is ‘Monkey Island’, also known as Can Gio Island. This huge 80,000 hectare nature reserve contains mangrove trees, water coconut forests, and yes- monkeys! Hundreds of them live wild here and they will be sure to say hello to you- just be sure not to bring food with you, they are pesky little creatures!

    Ba Den mountain (The black virgin mountain)
    The Ba Den Mountain trail takes you through lush jungle, mountain streams and caves, before reaching its rugged top. You can also take a cable car up to the top to see some wonderful views from above, sometimes from above the clouds!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Accommodation
    3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
    Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    1 day orientation
    Daily transportation to project
    In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    Fundraising support
    University course credits (where applicable)
    Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Tan Son Nhat International Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). You must arrive between 06:00 - 22:00 on Saturday or Sunday.

    If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra nights for an additional fee.

    If arriving on Saturday, you will need to pay for an extra night’s accommodation, or arrange your own accommodation for the night.

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

    From the airport to the Ho Chi Minh accommodation, it takes 20 minutes by taxi. From the airport to the Phan Thiet accommodation, it takes 5 hours by public bus, and to the Mekong Delta around 4 hours by public bus.

    Accommodation

    All accommodation and meals are included in the cost of the programs. All volunteers are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and organized.

    In Ho Chi Minh City, the accommodation is in a volunteer centre which is located on a college campus. You will share the rooms with fellow participants, but be in close proximity with local students. This allows a really nice cultural exchange and bonding. Rooms are dorm-style with 6-8 people per room. Rooms are well equipped with air conditioning, and good sized single gender bathrooms, clean and functional. Internet access is available at the accommodation and there are various internet cafe’s nearby.

    *Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    3 good meals are provided every weekday during your project, with 2 meals on the weekends (breakfast & dinner). Bottled water is easily available in Vietnam and volunteers should budget approx US$1 per day.  There is also filtered water available at the campus.

    You will be eating local Vietnamese dishes, with predominantly rice at most meals. The Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh flavours, soups and stir-fries. There may also be some western dishes such as spaghetti and sandwiches.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Vietnam. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Vietnam provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Vietnam you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Vietnam. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $597 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    Very well organised, had no problem checking in. The work was so nice and the people were wonderful. Staff is also there to help out with ...
    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Vietnam > Ho Chi Minh City

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Health Services  >  Nutrition and Food in Vietnam
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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