Refugees are among some of the hardest hit by the current pandemic. Many have not lived in the U.S. long enough to benefit from the stimulus checks issued to other U.S. residents. Most work in the hospitality industry where businesses have closed or cut staff. And with school closures, children are no longer receiving school lunches. The International Rescue Committee in Silver Spring has responded to this crisis by partnering with World Central Kitchen to distribute hot meals to our most vulnerable clients.

World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by D.C.-based chef José Andrés, has prepared over 4.5 million meals in 200 cities across the United States to assist those suffering from and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization’s D.C. operation provides 10,000 meals per week to first responders, hospital workers, low-income neighborhoods and refugees resettled by the IRC.

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IRC staff with World Central Kitchen picking up meals outside of Nationals Park.
Photo: Kyle Monsees/IRC

The project represents a community of collaboration. The International Rescue Committee identifies the most at-risk families to receive this support, World Central Kitchen cooks and prepares the food at Nationals Park baseball stadium in Washington, D.C., and local businesses and faith-based groups volunteer to distribute the meals directly to families.

Since April 10th, the project has provided 2,800 meals to 156 refugees. One family receiving meals said “we are very blessed for your gratitude during this time. You have really helped our family throughout this as we have come from Guatemala with nothing. You are looking out for us and we are so thankful."

You can help support this life-saving project by donating to the International Rescue Committee in Silver Spring.