On October 1^st, 2021, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) coordinated with the People’s Committees and Clubs of PwDs in Phong Binh, Gio Chau and Gio An communes to support 12 out of the total 36 essential food packages for PwDs living in difficult conditions in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. The daily lives of PwDs have been more challenging by the prolonged pandemic. The project support has contributed to sharing with the PwDs spiritually and materially to overcome the pandemic period.

Mrs. Tran Thi Vui - a caregiver of a PwD in Gio Chau commune shared: "We are a family of three members of which our son is a PwD. As the main labor in the family, I often collect available vegetable and bananas grown in our garden for sale in the communal market. During this prolonged pandemic, I have not been able to sell things in the market due to some restrictions so that I could no have enough money. Thanks to the project for a timely food support".

Mrs. Thieu Thi Diep - a caregiver of a PwD in Gio An commune expressed: "Our normal life has already been difficult. I mainly take care of my child with disability and have some time for gardening and chicken raising. Thus, I have nothing as saving or food provision in advance either. During this time, I have to fend for myself. With this food support from the project, I am delighted since we would have enough food for more than a month. Thank you so much".

Mr. Le Ngoc Quy - a caregiver of a PwD in Phong Binh commune, cluster I said: "My family depends on our stall in the market. However, there was a decrease in our income caused by the prolonged pandemic. Thereby, I did whatever I could to make ends meet. I hope that the pandemic would be in control soon so that we could get back to our normal life. Thanks to the project for helping my family and others during this tough time".

The activity was carried out within the framework of the project "Empowering People with Disabilities" in Gio Linh districtc, Quang Tri province funded by Caritas Australia and the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through SRD. In the coming time, the project would continue this food support to PwDs in other project communes. Furthermore, the project also provided the clubs of PwDs and groups of parents of children with disablities a set of hygiene items such as hand soap, sanitizer, masks, atc for their common activities.