Once again, chef José Andrés proves himself an Eater Icon. Yesterday, the chef’s nonprofit World Central Kitchen and partner nonprofit L.A. Kitchen jumped into action to feed people displaced by the wildfires currently blazing across Southern California. Andrés isn’t on the ground — yet — but, according to his Twitter, the operation, led by L.A. Kitchen president Robert Egger, plans to feed 2,000 people today.
The fires began earlier this week and spread quickly due to strong Santa Ana winds, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate the Los Angeles and Ventura areas. On Wednesday, Andrés contacted the Red Cross via Twitter to announce that World Central Kitchen and L.A. Kitchen were ready to help where needed. Shortly thereafter, Andrés Tweeted again to say they found a food distribution center. The group delivered 400 meals to Van Nuys and prepared to distribute at least 1,000 meals a day to shelters over the next few days.
We found a food distribution center....@RedCross We are on our way now! 400 meals right now.....@TheLAKitchen @WCKitchen ........we can do 1,000k + meals a day over the next few days! https://t.co/lJkzui4usR
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) December 6, 2017
Although World Central Kitchen wasn’t founded as a disaster relief nonprofit, after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, it proved itself a valuable resource in the aftermath of catastrophic events. In Puerto Rico, the nonprofit fed more than 3 million people and continues to provide support.
Andrés’s visibility and active Twitter presence have been key to securing donations and moving the nonprofit’s efforts forward. Just this morning, the chef called for volunteers to join the team at L.A. Kitchen to meet today’s 2,000 meal goal.
Ok we need few hands at @TheLAKitchen to help the team prepare 2,000 meals....show up after 7 AM please....@WCKitchen #ChefsforLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/6bCPsQSXrI
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) December 7, 2017
Stay tuned for more on World Central Kitchen’s efforts as the extent of the need for food in California becomes clear.
• @chefjoseandres [Twitter]
• @robertegger [Twitter]
• @TheLAKitchen [Twitter]