Vietnam: Community Support
Available all year
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Project Type: Community Development
Schedule: Project runs all year
Length: 2 weeks minimum
Participants: 18+ Ideal for: school leavers, university/college students, graduates, adults
Price: £295 per week (including airport transfer on arrival*)
About the Project
Join the Smile Food Shop in Ho Chi Minh City and be part of a respected community initiative providing healthy, affordable meals to people who need everyday support. Volunteers work alongside local staff in a welcoming, hands-on environment, helping with food preparation, serving meals, organising kitchen spaces and keeping the area clean and efficient.
The programme is ideal for international volunteers who want meaningful community service, cultural exchange and a memorable insight into daily life in Vietnam. Each day offers practical ways to contribute while building confidence, teamwork and genuine connections with the local community.
How Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteers play a practical role in keeping the food shop running smoothly and warmly. Your support helps turn simple daily tasks into a direct benefit for hundreds of local people. Volunteer activities may include:
- Preparing and serving nutritious meals for 300–500 community members daily
- Assisting in food preparation, cleaning, organising and ensuring smooth kitchen routines
- Working closely with local volunteers, NGO staff and community members
- Supporting special outreach, including meal distribution to nearby hospitals during Tết Holiday closures
- Experiencing Vietnamese culture through everyday teamwork and community connections
Project Aims & Objectives
- Help sustain the provision of hygienic, nutritious and affordable meals for members of the local community
- Support local staff and volunteers with the daily running of the food shop and meal distribution activities
- Offer volunteers practical experience in teamwork, food preparation, community service and responsible hands-on support
- Encourage meaningful cultural exchange and build positive connections between international volunteers and the local community
Typical Day (Monday to Friday)
Morning
– Early departure from the accommodation
– Breakfast at the Food Shop
– Cleaning and preparation tasks (e.g. organising donated items, preparing ingredients, etc.)
– Plating and organising trays ahead of meal distribution
Afternoon
– Serving meals and supporting dining area operations
– Cleaning and setting up the area for the next day’s food distribution
Evening
– Dinner at the accommodation
~ During periods when the NGO facility is closed, volunteers may assist with preparing meals at the accommodation for distribution to nearby hospitals.
~ This schedule may be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Volunteers Will Need
- Interest in community work and social impact projects
- Positive attitude, adaptability and willingness to work in a team environment
- For volunteers aged 65+, medical clearance may be required to ensure the placement is suitable and well supported
Included
Pre-departure briefing
Accommodation
Airport transfer to the accommodation upon arrival*
Transportation during the programme (if required) as per the scheduled activities
Daily meals – typically 3 meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends
Programme materials and project guidance
Local team support 24/7
Not Included
Flights
Visa & visa-related expenses
Travel & health insurance
Personal expenses
Additional tours or activities
Paid optional extras**
* Programme price includes airport meeting & transfer on Sundays only.
** Optional extras available: private room, extra night at the project accommodation, airport meeting &
transfer (Mon-Sat) or airport drop off at the end of the project.
If you would like more information or advice, please contact our Volunteer Abroad team at 01684 562577.
UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
This project contributes to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, supporting the Zero Hunger goal to ensure universal access to safe and nutritious food year-round and eliminate all forms of malnutrition, including childhood stunting and wasting.
