Vegas Afar: José Andrés Feeding Ukraine Refugees

Award-Winning Chef José Andrés mobilizes World Central Kitchen on the Ukraine-Poland border.

Chef José Andrés, whom you may know for his Las Vegas establishments: Jaleo, China Poblano, Bazaar Meats, and É is no stranger to feeding people in crisis. He provided food for the elderly during the pandemic in 2020, he provided food relief in Puerto Rico, Haiti, and many other countries after natural disasters and refugee crises.

Now José Andrés has activated his World Central Kitchen on the Ukraine-Poland border, feeding refugees from Ukraine. In a tweet, Friday he said “People of the World…Like you, I am distraught watching Ukraine under attack. We must come together as a force for good!”

A look at his humanitarian efforts really says it all, he goes where help is needed. On Saturday, in a follow-up video he said “Guys, there’s many ways to fight. Some people fight by making sure that people are fed.”  Additional borders where food is being provided are Romania, Moldova, Slovakia, and Hungary.

From the World Central Kitchen website: “WCK is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. We build resilient food systems with locally-led solutions.”

WCK has served more than 60 million fresh meals to people impacted by natural disasters and other crises around the world. WCK’s Resilience Programs strengthen food and nutrition security by training chefs and school cooks; advancing clean cooking practices; and awarding grants to farms, fisheries, and small food businesses while also providing educational and networking opportunities. 

Hats off to you Mr. Andrés, you are truly one of Vegas’ Brightest.

Michael Movestro

Michael Movestro founded Vegas Bright to continue the tradition when Vegas Chatter cashed out. Michael pays the bills, maintains the site, writes articles, hosts VBN – Vegas Bright Newscast.