Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, many have stepped up to show their support.
While people from around the world stand in solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine, José Andrés, a Spanish American chef known for his food and philanthropic work, flew to the border of the eastern European country to help those fleeing.
“People of the World…Like you, I am distraught watching Ukraine under attack,” he tweeted. “We must come together as a force for good!”
People of the World…Like you, I am distraught watching Ukraine under attack. We must come together as a force for good! @WCKitchen is on Poland border delivering meals tonight—Romania soon. In addition to your donations…I am committing support from the Bezos award to Ukraine.🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/ws0EFl8zLd
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) February 25, 2022
His nonprofit, World Central Kitchen, began handing out hot meals to refugees crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border Friday.
By Sunday, the 52-year-old’s nonprofit delivered thousands of meals to people. WCK stated that on Monday they hoped to serve meals 24 hours a day.
Andrés, who is in Poland assisting with the distribution of food, called upon other chefs to join him.
“Guys, there’s many ways to fight. Some people fight by making sure that people are fed,” he said.
People of the World…Reporting from the Ukraine border! This is one of the places @WCKitchen has hot meals. It is below freezing tonight & I am meeting so many refugees, families who are escaping & don’t know what’s next…We will do our best not to let them down! #ChefsForUkraine pic.twitter.com/YiEemUfLlC
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) February 28, 2022
While WCK has plans to enter Ukraine as soon as it’s safe, they’re already partnering with restaurants inside the country. Andrés highlighted Chef Aleksander Yourz of Yours Space Bistro in Odessa, who cooked 1,000 meals Sunday for residents who couldn’t leave.
First @WCKitchen meals in Odessa Ukraine! This is Chef Aleksander Yourz…his team at Yourz Space Bistro cooked 1,000 meals today for residents stuck in Odessa & Ukrainians defending the city! Only a start—WCK is supporting chefs in many cities to feed the hungry! #ChefsForUkraine pic.twitter.com/7qjLktWnMi
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) February 27, 2022
WCK has also partnered with Caritas nuns to serve food at a border crossing.
Andrés pledged to use money he received from winning the 2021 Jeff Bezos’ Courage and Civility Award to help the people of Ukraine. He was awarded $100 million.
The chef has previously provided meals around the world during times of conflict and suffering.
Thank you so much, Chef Andrés! You truly are an inspiration. We need more people to be as generous as you.
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