International media praises Vietnam's "rice ATM" initiative

On April 13th, CNN reported that Vietnam reported 265 COVID-19 cases, much lower than other countries in the world, and no deaths have been listed. These numbers are the result of a 15-day social distancing measure.

Reuters on the same day said that a Vietnamese businessperson in Ho Chi Minh city had launched the initiative of an automated machine that operates every day, providing free rice to people without jobs in the period when Vietnam implements social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Accordingly, the “rice ATM” will provide 1.5 kilograms of rice per time. Many recipients are street vendors or those who have seasonal jobs such as cleaning rooms or selling lottery tickets.

According to CNN, Vietnamese businesspersons and donors have tried to install free rice distributing machines in some key cities across the country, to support those who suddenly lost their income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Hoang Tuan Anh, a businessman and supporter of the “rice ATM" initiative, was also the one who gave smart doorbells to hospitals in Ho Chi Minh city. He continued to gear up his efforts to support the fight against COVID-19 by installing the first “rice ATM" in Ho Chi Minh city before extending the model to Hanoi, Hue and Da Nang cities. In an interview with the Vietnamese press, Mr. Anh said that he wanted people to feel that they could still access food sources despite current economic difficulties.

"I call it “rice ATM" because people can get rice from there,” he said to Reuters, adding that he wanted poor people to understand that there are still good people out who are willing to help them.

CNN quoted Vietnam News Agency as saying that the “rice ATM” operates from 8 a.m to 5 p.m every day. Receivers must stand line, maintaining 2 meters in distance, and wash their hands using disinfectant to prevent COVID-19./.