Patricia Grisafi
What do you have in your cupboards? If you’re like a lot of families right now, I bet it’s a lot of cans of beans and boxes of pasta. But some folks are struggling to get a meal—and Michelin-starred chef José Andrés is transforming his restaurants in order to help feed them.
People of America...Important News: All my restaurants in DC area are closed until further notice. Here at @ThinkFoodGroup safety of employees & guests is too priority. Some restaurants will transform into Community Kitchens to offer to-go lunches for those who need a meal. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/3HTyT607ZI
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) March 15, 2020
These Community Kitchens will be part of @WCKitchen efforts across the country in the coming days & weeks. Not for enjoyment….but a service for people in need of a plate of food during this emergency. (2/4)
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) March 15, 2020
We are in an unprecedented emergency…and as painful as it is, ALL restaurants, bars, etc. must be closed across America if we are to avoid what’s happening in other countries. This is the only way. (3/4)
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) March 15, 2020
In this moment, loving each other means staying away from each other. This is about We The People. Each of us has a responsibility to act for others, not just ourselves. We are all together in this fight…and we will win. 💪🇺🇸 (4/4)
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) March 15, 2020
In places like New York City, all restaurants are currently closed except to offer take-out or delivery service. But Andrés’ is transforming eight of his famous restaurants in New York City and Washington, DC into places where those having trouble making ends meet in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic can get some food for an affordable price.
To-go meals cost $7, but as with everything right now, the community kitchen will be flexible with those who may be out of work or financially strapped. There is also an option to donate a meal to someone who may need it.
“Those who cannot afford to pay we will welcome as well,” Andrés said in a statement, explaining that many of his restaurants will otherwise be closed.
The community kitchen is open from noon to 5 p.m. daily, offering only takeout service. All Andrés’ employees are getting paid leave for at least the first two weeks.
This isn’t the first time Andrés is stepping in to help comfort and feed those in difficult situations. He founded World Central Kitchen in 2010 after seeing first-hand the devastation caused by an earthquake in Haiti. Since then, he has used his organization to build kitchens at underfunded schools, teach food safety, and assist in hunger relief efforts in Puerto Rico—where World Central Kitchen served as the primary food source.
And why don’t you have the Nobel peace prize yet?
— Monique (@madam0526) March 15, 2020
“We are in a serious global emergency and people need to take every precaution, including staying home as much as possible,” Andrés said. “However, we also want to help provide food for those who want it in a safe manner, so we feel these community kitchens can help during this challenging time.”