In Little Saigon, ChuMinh Tofu has been providing free Sunday lunches every Sunday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
A group of neighbourhood activists and mutual aid organisers gather at ChuMinh Tofu, a Vietnamese vegan restaurant in Little Saigon in Seattle, once a week to assist provide meals to more than 150 persons in need, including the area’s homeless residents.
The founder of ChuMinh Thanh-Nga “Tanya” Nguyn, her husband Pablo, and two of their family friends first came up with the concept for this project three years ago, and it first began as a modest endeavour.
Tanya is a really awesome and compassionate person who saw the vulnerable people who are so frequently stigmatised and felt she could do something to help make their day a little bit better.
Tanya had already been giving out free food to people who asked whenever she could, but sometimes she couldn’t because her restaurant was too busy.
Tanya believed there was more she could accomplish even though there were many struggling small companies and eateries at the time.
She made the decision to set aside a few hours each Sunday at her restaurant to provide hot meals to anyone who requests one, without asking any questions.
Her clients took notice. They weren’t particularly surprised because it felt very Tanya-like. They looked up to others, were inspired by them, and many became involved.
Every Sunday, a group of ChuMinh admirers began volunteering and assisting Tanya, which assisted in growing the endeavour.
The name of these volunteers, the Egg Rolls, is a tribute to Tanya’s tasty, crispy, and saliva-inducing egg rolls.
These days, the Egg Rolls not only assist Tanya in distributing her food, but they also gather and distribute donations, such as blankets, coats, clothes, backpacks, toiletries, and more.
Tanya and the Egg Rolls take part in mutual help, a grassroots and bottom-up initiative to create a network of neighbours to address emergencies and meet basic needs.
Tanya said in a statement to the public, “We help everyone, no matter who they are.” “So many different folks are coming in for assistance. We shouldn’t lock individuals up; instead, the city should offer them opportunities for detox, housing, and employment.
People in positions of authority need to take action and aid those who are off course. People shouldn’t be viewed as criminals;
instead, we should view them as family members who need a second opportunity. Who knows what they could accomplish if given another chance?
How to be kind to ChuMinh
savour delectable cuisine at Tanya’s restaurant
ChuMinh is tasty because it uses regionally produced ingredients. All of their food is vegan! (Our Vietnamese community has a significant vegan culinary culture, so Tanya is preparing authentic chay rather than just remixing or changing meat dishes to make them vegetarian.) ChuMinh can be found in Seattle at 1043 S. Jackson St.
Donate to the Egg Rolls to support them as they organise more.
For the time being, ChuMinh needs money to continue offering their free Sunday lunches. Venmo the egg rolls to them to assist.
Supplies to help guests and neighbours range from $5 to $20. (Please include a message stating “Gift for Sunday” so they are aware of the purpose of the donation.)
Additionally, you can provide things directly by attending Sunday meals.
Help Tanya and the Egg Rolls by volunteering
Send an email to TheEggRollCrew@gmail.com for further information on how to participate.
ChuMinh’s Instagram account
ChuMinh frequently informs where and when we can drop off donations, along with drop dates. For up-to-date information and to see photos of mouthwatering food, follow them on Instagram.