In Cambodia, rice is woven into daily life — from the green fields of the provinces to the kitchens of families in Steung Meanchey. At Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF), rice nourishes more than bodies; it sustains futures.
A humble bag of rice means hope for impoverished families living hand-to-mouth every day,
At CCF, rice is distributed to students, families, and grannies. It is offered as an incentive to keep children in school—a reward for good attendance that encourages parents to ensure their children are in the classroom, rather than on the streets. Rice also brings employment, offering work and purpose within CCF’s programs.
Behind every bag is a story.
Every month, up to 20 tonnes of rice arrive at CCF’s warehouse in Phnom Penh from Kampong Cham province, where it has been harvested from fields by a local farmer.
Greeting the truck is Lat, 37, who has been working at the warehouse for more than 10 years. As the Warehouse Administrative Officer, he oversees all aspects of the warehouse, including staff, logistics, and deliveries.
Helping him keep an eye on things is security guard Sineth, who monitors anyone coming and going at the warehouse. The job enables him to provide for his wife and two children, a son and a daughter.
A dedicated team unpacks, weighs, and repacks the rice into smaller 5kg bags ready for families, students, and grannies who rely on this simple staple.
I am happy that I have a job; otherwise, I don’t know how my life would be
Among those at the warehouse is Chenda, who has worked with CCF for 15 years. Blinded and scarred after a brutal acid attack, CCF gave her a home, a job, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“I am happy that I have a job; otherwise, I don’t know how my life would be,” says Chenda. “My life was miserable before, but CCF gave me a chance to work, which means so much to me.”
Her daughter, Malita, 20, who was badly burned as a toddler, has grown up with CCF’s support and is now studying at the University of Melbourne on a full scholarship — a powerful story of transformation rooted in hope and opportunity.
From the warehouse, drivers like Sombath and community team members like Vanra deliver rice across Steung Meanchey. Each bag is a lifeline — keeping children in school, ensuring families have enough to eat, and giving elders the dignity they deserve.
“I’m so proud of the work I do,” says Vanra. “I know how much a simple bag of rice means to those we help.”
Sombath, 38, has been a CCF driver for seven years. Among his jobs, he has helped deliver bags of rice from the warehouse to sites around the community, where they will be distributed to hungry families.
Sombath has two children of his own and knows the importance of good nutrition for growing kids.
For 12-year-old Karona and her sister, who live with a foster mum in CCF’s Girls to Grannies Village, rice means security and care.
Now I have enough food to eat and proper clothes to wear,” says Karona.
“Receiving regular rice distribution helps us survive and grow,” adds foster mum Nhib.
Rice supports my life and my grandson so that he can study and have a future
And for Granny Sokly, caring for her 12-year-old grandson (a CCF student) after losing her daughter, a weekly bag of rice is a blessing.
“Without it, I don’t know how we would eat,” says Granny Sokly. “Rice supports my life and my grandson so that he can study and have a future.”
