Chef José Andrés Shares How He’s Helping Hurricane Ian Victims
September 30, 2022
Jennifer Hudson and her friends are teaming up to help those affected by Hurricane Ian.
JHud addressed the devastation ripping through Puerto Rico and Florida as chef José Andrés appeared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” on Friday and spoke about World Central Kitchen’s work on the ground in areas where access to food and water is limited.
The chef told Jennifer how World Central Kitchen has provided more than 167 million meals for people in need during times of disaster. Recalling what the nation saw with the likes of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Fiona, he explained how his team always tries to get ahead of the hurricane and see where it’s likely to hit next.
Asked how the operation gets put together, the chef told Jennifer how approximately 30 members of WCK gather to set up kitchens where food and water are needed.
“When you have a fire, who do you send?” José asked. “The firefighters.” He believes that when people need to be fed in times of disaster, people in the restaurant business are able to help.
The celebrity chef also believes big problems have simple solutions.
“We do food and water, but we do more than that,” José said. The team makes sure they find every elderly person, man, woman, or child in need. Just when they feel forgotten, a plate of food sends a message.
“Food is a message of love. Food is empathy,” the chef said.
He added about the Americans affected: “We are not going to let you walk alone in this difficult time.”
It’s why people are moved to fly from different parts of the world to join WCK and show support.
“I’m not going to stay in my home, I’m going to show up next to my people,” José said as he appeared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” via video link from Washington, D.C.
He appeared after attending a White House conference on hunger, nutrition, and health after President Joe Biden called on people who believe food is the solution, not the problem.
“Love your passion,” Jennifer told José.
And she’s not the only one… Maggie Hardy, owner and president of 84 Lumber, donated $25,000 to WCK to help with their hurricane relief efforts. The privately held woman-owned building materials supplier has 250 stores in over 30 states, including throughout Florida. Maggie loves to give back to communities and donates to various charities and families in need every year. She’s so eager to help rebuild communities that she donated a further $25,000 to the American Red Cross.
Jennifer presented two huge checks for a total of $50,000!
Visit wck.org to get more information about what World Central Kitchen is doing to help.
“The Jennifer Hudson Show” airs weekdays. Check your local listings.
