#ChefsForThePolls: Vote Early Day
WCK continues to support communities across the country this election season, from early voting through Election Day. We’ve seen long lines in many cities as the people of America come together to make their voices heard. Some communities have had to deal with lines lasting all day – from morning to night – so our team is doing our small part to bring hope and comfort through the power of food.
This Saturday, October 24, was Vote Early Day, a day dedicated to encouraging people to get to the polls ahead of November 3rd. We partnered with When We All Vote and More Than A Vote to work with restaurants in 20 states that have enacted early voting – from Maine to California, and Florida to Michigan. WCK’s Relief Team was stationed near polling locations serving thousands of meals on Saturday, and we’re still going! Everywhere our team went, people shared their enthusiasm and how important they feel it is to vote, despite the lines, the rain (in Alabama), the snow (in Chicago), the heat (in Florida) and the impending Dodgers victory (in Los Angeles!).
Here are just a few of the people we’ve met and restaurants we’ve worked with through our Chefs For The Polls initiative, all coming together to make this election season a time of community and hope.
On a cold Saturday afternoon near the Midtown polling location in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, local residents were drawn to Mil-wok-ee’s tent as Chef Albert prepared his steamy turkey fried rice. As a bonus, he and his team had hot apple cider at the ready for extra warmth!
Also in Milwaukee, we met Lyle & Sara who were grabbing tacos from the Taqueria Corazon truck on Saturday afternoon. The two told us they were there to support the early voting process, and were glad they were able vote early in Wisconsin.
Far away from the cold northern climes, Ms. Cheezious Food Truck encouraged smiles with cheesy treats at the Lemon Polling Station in Miami, Florida!
And a bit farther north in the sunshine state, our team chatted with people who came to vote in Orlando. We met Melvin who told us why he was there that day. “What brings me here? Some years ago when I was younger, over 20 years ago, I was a bad guy with a felony. I paid my restitution to society, I’m a productive member of society now. I couldn’t vote due to my felony. I’m so glad we have our rights back to vote. Any chance I get to support the cause, I’m here. I want to give anyone a chance to vote who may have made a mistake a long time ago.”
We also met Tyeshawn who told our team, “I’m an athlete. A football player. My dream is to make it to the Miami Dolphins. Voting means you’re using your voice. You can be heard. It’s one of your rights. I like the free meals. Everyone deserves a meal, and not everyone can afford a meal.”
WCK activated in our backyard this weekend at sites across Northern Virginia! From Alexandria to Arlington, our local restaurant partners served up delicious food that ranged from BBQ sandwiches to cauliflower shawarma on pita! In addition to feeding people waiting to vote and local families in the area, our team was proud to provide meals to polling staff who are working long hours for the community.
Several hours south in Virginia Beach, we worked with Anchor Allie’s to get nourishing meals to residents near the local municipal center! Plus, Shake Shack donated burgers that we were able to share—yum!
In Harlem, New York, early voting brought lines that went on for blocks. Outside the polling location at PS 175, we served Kastle a quesadilla as he waited in line for two hours. He recently celebrated his 100th birthday and said he never misses a chance to vote in an election because it’s so, so important!
Melba’s is a beloved neighborhood restaurant in Harlem that joined our Restaurants for the People program earlier this year, serving meals to families impacted by COVID. When our Relief Team saw the need to feed folks waiting in line, we called Melba’s right away! The restaurant team started cooking for their neighbors, preparing delicious meals and serving them with water outside the Wadleigh High School polling site.
As opportunities to vote early end in some states this week, we expect lines to keep growing – and we’ll be there! With less than one week until Election Day, we’ll continue to feed people wherever we are needed.
For updates on our locations and more local stories, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We feed people in need in times of crisis and beyond, around the world, not just during election season — you can continue supporting our disaster relief and resilience efforts throughout the year here.
