VietHarvest Opens First Nourishing Hub in Ho Chi Minh City

On March 30, VietHarvest marked a milestone that has been years in the making: the official launch of our first Nourishing Hub in Ho Chi Minh City.

For VietHarvest, this was more than the opening of a new space. It was the beginning of a new chapter — one that allows us to rescue more food, serve more communities, and build a stronger, more coordinated system for food rescue in Vietnam.

Since 2022, VietHarvest has rescued over 90,000 kg of surplus food and delivered more than 180,000 meals to communities in need. What began as a mobile effort — often coordinated through vans, phone calls, and a small but determined team — has now grown into a dedicated home for food rescue, redistribution, education, and community connection.

Why the Nourishing Hub matters

The Nourishing Hub gives VietHarvest something we have long needed: a place where good food can come together before going back out to the communities who need it most.

It is a space to receive, sort, store, and redistribute food more efficiently. It is also a place where partners, volunteers, donors, chefs, and community organisations can connect around one shared belief: good food should not go to waste while people still go without.

A launch made possible by community

The Hub was officially opened with the support of the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City and Action on Poverty, alongside VietHarvest’s founders, partners, supporters, volunteers, chefs, and community friends.

We were honoured to welcome Sarah Hooper, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, Ronni Kahn AO, Founder of OzHarvest, Jimmy Pham AM, Founder of KOTO and Co-Founder of VietHarvest, and Louise Tran, Co-Founder of VietHarvest, as well as many partners who have believed in the work from the beginning.

The day was emotional, proud, and full of gratitude. For many of us, standing inside the Hub felt like witnessing something that had once only existed as an idea finally come to life.

The first fundraising dinner inside the Hub

That evening, VietHarvest hosted the first Star Chefs Fundraising Dinner inside the Nourishing Hub.

Four chefs came together to create a six-course dining experience: Khanh Ong from Australia, Hoàng Tùng from T.U.N.G Dining, Hanoi, Tru Lang from MUA, Hội An, Nguyễn Chiến Thắng from ST25 by KOTO, Ho Chi Minh City

In a newly completed kitchen, without the full familiarity and comfort of their own restaurants, the chefs cooked with adaptability, care, and heart. Each dish reflected not only creativity, but generosity — a willingness to contribute their craft to something larger than the plate.

We are deeply grateful to our ingredient partners, including The Daily Seafood, Meatworks, Classic Fine Foods, and Sanha Foods, whose support helped make the dinner possible.

The evening was also brought to life by many others: music from SOUL Academy, wine and cider from Cellier Indochine and Saigon Cider, finger food from Alfresco Group, and service support from ST25 by KOTO alongside VietHarvest volunteers in their yellow shirts.

It was not simply a dinner. It was a gathering of people who believe that food can connect, nourish, and move communities forward.

A symbol of showing up

One of the most moving moments of the evening came from Ronni Kahn, who shared the story behind the yellow spoon.

In a wildfire, some people run away. Some stand back and ask who is responsible. And some run toward the fire with whatever they have — a bucket, if they can; a spoon, if that is all there is.

A spoon cannot put out the fire. But it means you chose to help.

At VietHarvest, we believe that no one has to solve everything alone. But everyone can hold a spoon. Every contribution, every volunteer hour, every food donation, every partnership matters.

As part of the fundraising dinner, guests were invited to donate USD 100 to have a yellow spoon placed on the wall of the Nourishing Hub — a small but lasting reminder that they chose to be part of the story.

What comes next

The Nourishing Hub is not the end of a journey. It is the beginning of a stronger one.

With this new space, VietHarvest aims to:

• Rescue more surplus food from the food supply chain
• Expand our network of community partners
• Improve coordination, storage, and redistribution
• Grow education and engagement activities
• Build stronger systems through the Food Best Use platform
• Invite more people and businesses to take part in reducing food waste

The Hub allows us to do this work with more consistency, dignity, and care.

Be part of the next chapter

VietHarvest exists because people choose to show up.

Businesses donate surplus food. Volunteers give their time. Chefs share their craft. Partners open doors. Donors make the next meal possible.

From just USD 1, you can help provide one meal to someone in need.

Whether you give food, funds, time, skills, or connections, your support helps us rescue more and nourish more.

To donate, partner, volunteer, or visit the VietHarvest Nourishing Hub, please contact:

hello@vietharvest.com
www.vietharvest.com

There is already enough.
We just have to share it better.