World Central Kitchen Will Pay Restaurants To Re-Open And Feed Those In Need
José Andrés continues to do everything in his power to help the restaurant industry amid the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. This time, his non-profit, World Central Kitchen, will soon be paying restaurants to re-open their doors in order to re-hire workers and feed the hungry, the Washington Post reports.
José called the initiative “only a drop in the water” of what needs to be done to buoy the industry, but WCK’s Chefs for America program will pay restaurant owners $10-20 per meal they serve upon re-opening. That money will not only go toward getting people back to work, but it’ll also cover some food costs.
CEO of World Central Kitchen Nate Mook also spoke to the paper about the forthcoming project, doubling down on the need to get restaurant workers back to work as quickly—and safely—as possible:
The only thing that’s really going to save the system is the system going back to work. The restaurants going back to work. The staff going back, getting a paycheck. The restaurants buying from the suppliers that are also impacted by this. You got to get the whole machine going again because you can’t just have these Band-Aid solutions.
This is just one of many efforts José—chef/activist/angel among us—and his organization are undertaking at the moment. Earlier this month, he announced when his restaurants do eventually re-open, doctors and nurses will dine for free. He’s also been cooking for first responders as well as entertaining the rest of the world with song and cheer.