Chef José Andrés Serves 1M Meals Daily in Gaza

In the middle of two major humanitarian crises, one organization is showing up with hot meals and hope by the millions.

World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, now serves one million hot meals daily to families in Gaza. The relief organization is simultaneously supporting critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine through its Longer Tables Fund, which matches donations to maximize impact in both regions.

Andrés spoke about the dual missions in a recent interview, emphasizing that neither crisis should be forgotten by the international community. His organization has become a lifeline for families facing food insecurity in Gaza while Ukrainians struggle with damaged power systems during ongoing conflict.

The scale of World Central Kitchen's operation is staggering. Preparing and distributing one million meals every day requires massive coordination, local partnerships, and unwavering commitment from volunteers and staff working in dangerous conditions.

Why This Inspires

What makes this story remarkable isn't just the numbers. It's the refusal to choose between crises or let donor fatigue stop the work.

World Central Kitchen has built a reputation for showing up fast when disaster strikes, from hurricanes to earthquakes to war zones. The organization's model focuses on empowering local chefs and food producers, creating jobs while feeding communities in need.

The Longer Tables Fund's matching donation strategy doubles the impact of every contribution. This approach has helped the organization expand its reach without compromising quality or speed of response.

Andrés has become known for his hands-on leadership, often appearing in crisis zones personally to coordinate relief efforts. His visibility helps keep global attention focused on humanitarian needs that might otherwise fade from headlines.

The message is clear: the world has enough resources and compassion to address multiple crises at once. We just need to choose to do it.