WCK Nourishes Workers of Restaurants Lost to the Los Angeles Wildfires
In the aftermath of crises, helpers step up. Often, those who feel called to offer support first are members of the restaurant community. Hospitality, after all, means offering someone a home away from home.
When World Central Kitchen responded to the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles in January, we had comforting meals in the hands of evacuees and first responders within hours. We were able to move so fast thanks to the quick action and care of the chefs behind local food trucks, restaurants, and caterers, some of whom had been directly impacted by the fires themselves.
Members of the hospitality industry were there for their neighbors. They have helped us serve more than 850,000 meals and counting. Now, WCK is finding ways to pay it forward, supporting team members of restaurants completely destroyed in the wildfires, leaving workers unemployed. WCK has disbursed $350,000 in grocery support to employees of more than 20 destroyed businesses since January 27.
Hear from employees of Pizza of Venice, which was destroyed by the Eaton Fire.
These grocery gift cards are our way of nourishing the hardworking restaurant teams who lost their employment as part of the devastation of the fires.
“There has been overwhelming gratitude for the generosity, from both the business owners and employees alike,” WCK’s Evelina said. “All have said what a massive difference this aid will make in their ability to feed themselves and their families. Aside from the practical impact of the funds, they are so touched to know that they are being considered and looked out for and not alone. They’ve shed tears of joy and given hugs of gratitude.”
Pizza of Venice burned to the ground as a result of the Eaton fire in January. WCK distributed a total of $9000 in gift cards to its staff, at least one of whom also lost their home in the fire.
One worker shared, through tears: “I never imagined I would be receiving something like this. I am usually a giver, but I really needed this and am so thankful.”
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