A haemodialysis patient living in the so-called 'dialysis hamlet' in Dương Thanh Nghị Street, Hà Nội, receives a food package from a volunteer. The package includes rice, vegetables, meat and some other neccessities. — Photo courtesy of PepsiCo Vietnam

HÀ NỘI — The “Millions of Meals” campaign was launched on Monday to provide nutritious meals to vulnerable communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Việt Nam.

The project is being run by PepsiCo Vietnam, its partner Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverages and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Federation.

It is starting in Hà Nội and HCM City and will be brought to Đà Nẵng, Hải Phòng and Cần Thơ in the coming weeks.

In Hà Nội, 200 haemodialysis patients at Thanh Nhàn Hospital became the first beneficiaries, receiving 600 food packages for three days delivered by PepsiCo and Suntory volunteers and members of the Vietnam Youth Union.

In HCM City, 600 food packages were delivered to underserved communities in Ward 1, Bình Thạnh District.

The campaign had funding of VNĐ7 billion (US$298,000) for food packages, with an additional VNĐ1.8 billion of product donations from PepsiCo Vietnam and Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverages. PepsiCo Vietnam has also committed VNĐ4.7 billion to provide additional medical supplies for front line hospitals nationwide in five locations in Việt Nam.

Wei Wei Yao, PepsiCo Senior Vice President & General Manager Asia, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has affected the lives of millions of people worldwide. But this impact has been acutely felt by those most vulnerable in society and those on the very front lines of this crisis – in our health and social care services.

“I do hope that by joining hands with communities and the youth nationwide in Việt Nam, this ‘Millions of Meals’ programme grows stronger, and together, we will combat COVID-19.” — VNS