The coronavirus has caused a ripple effect throughout the Peninsula.
People have lost their jobs with thousands applying for unemployment. Some have lost loved ones, missed graduations and others, making sense of this “new normal.”
Health care workers are working around the clock to treat patients, while grocery store clerks and other essential employees continue on with their everyday jobs albeit cognizant of the dangers of getting infected.
Restaurants have turned to curbside pick-up and contactless delivery options to keep their businesses afloat and food banks are struggling to meet the increased demand for food.
With food banks across the Peninsula experiencing shortages, local restaurants are filling the void with something they do best: Food.
Newport News Public Schools announced take home dinners would be available on select days starting Tuesday, courtesy of World Central Kitchen. See the list of meals-to-go sites here.
World Central Kitchen, a global nonprofit started by Chef Jose Andres, launched its #ChefsForAmerica campaign, a food relief program for restaurants to help those affected by the coronavirus.
Starting Tuesday, 4/28, take-home dinner meals will be included in meals-to-go on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, thanks to a new partnership with @WCKitchen. Meals-to-go are served each weekday from 11:30a-12:30p.
For a complete list of locations, visit https://t.co/KEEKlZXkmQ. pic.twitter.com/CmU4ncle65
— Newport News Schools (@nnschools) April 27, 2020
The public school district is the latest entity to partner with the nonprofit organization.
La Tienda in Williamsburg started giving hot meals to those in need earlier this month.
“So Jose and I have been friends for over 20 years and La Tienda has been supporting World Central Kitchen financially for years,” Tim Harris, CEO of La Tienda, said in a previous interview with WYDaily. “With this crisis in our community, we have the opportunity to participate.”
RELATED STORY: La Tienda will serve hot meals as part of the #ChefsForAmerica campaign
The restaurant recently delivered food to Pineapple Inn & Housing Center, a hostel in James City County housing the individuals and families who are homeless.
Other restaurants in the area have stepped up as well.
Both of Honey Butter’s Kitchen locations and the Williamsburg Concessions and Catering joined the #ChefsForAmerica campaign and are providing 300 meals each day, according to their April 26 Facebook post.
On April 10, Fin Seafood in Newport News also announced its partnership with the food relief program.
“Fin is proud to team up with “Chefs For America” and the World Central Kitchen,” the Facebook post read. “Fin will be delivering 200 lunch meals, to those who need it, in the weeks to come.”
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