The Chef Action Network is launched in HCM City on October 20 for promoting community-driven culinary initiatives. — Photo Courtesy of Foodbank Việt Nam

HCM CITY — The Chef Action Network was launched on Monday in HCM City by Vietnam Foodbank Network, the HCM City Cuisine Association and the HCM City Professional Chefs Association to mark World Chefs Day.

It aims to bring together chefs, culinary artisans, nutrition experts, and food lovers.

It focuses on two main goals: providing free meals to disadvantaged people and combating food waste, thus spreading a spirit of compassion and social responsibility within Việt Nam’s culinary community.

Nguyễn Tuấn Khởi, chairman of Foodbank Việt Nam and founder of the Chef Action Network, said: “Through the Chef Action Network, we hope to turn the kitchen into a place of love — where every meal tells a story of sharing, helping the vulnerable and ensuring food is fully valued without waste.”

Nguyễn Văn Hiếu, vice chairman of the HCM City Cuisine Association and chairman of the HCM City Professional Chefs Association, said thousands of chefs in the country are ready to contribute to community activities, especially during festivals and humanitarian events.

“The Chef Action Network will be a bridge connecting passionate hearts, turning cuisine into a language of compassion.”

As part of the 2025 HCM City Vegetarian Cuisine Festival, which will run from October 31 to November 4 at Bình Phú Park, members of the Chef Action Network will showcase creative vegetarian dishes and organise huge free meal sessions for children, the elderly and underprivileged individuals, embodying the festival’s theme of “Green Cuisine – Kind Living.”

The annual event promotes green lifestyles, healthy food choices and kindness in daily life. — VNS