Within hours of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, José Andrés got to work. The chef and humanitarian traveled to the border and, through his nonprofit World Central Kitchen, started setting up a supply chain to provide meals to Ukrainian people. “I have always believed in the power of food to change the world,” he tells The Independent. “And in this situation, a plate of food cannot be the thing that solves the war, but maybe it can bring some comfort and hope, some light during a long and difficult journey.”
For three weeks now, Andrés and World Central Kitchen have shared updates from the ground. The organization has partnered with local restaurants, caterers, and food trucks to feed people at border crossings, shelters, and other communities. As of 14 March, it said it had served more than one million meals across Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Moldova, working with more than 110 suppliers in 58 cities. It has also provided both hot meals and bulk food products, such as produce and dry goods, to restaurants in Ukraine.
