The Lexington Herald-Leader reported that as of Sunday evening, more than 50,000 residents in Kentucky were without power following a massive tornado that hit the state on Friday. Among the first responders now helping in recovery efforts is well-known chef and World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder José Andrés.
“I always said that wherever there is a fight so hungry people, people in need may eat, that we will be there,” the humanitarian said from a video filmed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Saturday. In a video the next day, Andrés spoke from Mayfield, “where the destruction is beyond anything you imagine.” Daily Kos’ Mark Sumner noted over the weekend that much of the town “was completely destroyed.”
“We have teams all over, scouting and bringing meals, and learning what the folks may need,” Andrés continued in the video. “Trying to provide meals to those who need it every single day.” In another video from Benton, the chef spoke to a resident named Marcella, “who jumped into action to support her community with meals after the tornados!” He called it, “the true @WCKitchen way … no meetings no planning, just cooking!”
“In Edwardsville, Illinois, a massive Amazon fulfillment center was torn apart by a fast-moving tornado, leaving around 50 workers trapped and dozens more injured,” Sumner continued. “As of Saturday morning, local officials had announced at least two deaths.” WCK tweeted that it had been preparing meals for recovery workers, who said “it was the first hot meal they’d had in the cold temperatures since Friday.”
Journalist Victor Ordoñez also shared a video of a man who drove to Mayfield “with a grill and a truckload of food” to help. "I just figured I'd do what I can do,” the unnamed man says.
President Joe Biden said on Monday that he intends to visit the region on Wednesday. "And with each passing day, the human impact of this devastation is just—the depth of the losses are becoming more and more apparent,” he said. “We’re going to be there as long as it takes to help. And the combination of state, federal, and volunteer organizations will do everything from, eventually, not only clear the debris, but provide the necessary means to move, get schools reopened, and making sure that homes are able to be rebuilt, et cetera.”
“I always said that wherever there is a fight so hungry people, people in need may eat, that we will be there,” the humanitarian said from a video filmed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Saturday. In a video the next day, Andrés spoke from Mayfield, “where the destruction is beyond anything you imagine.” Daily Kos’ Mark Sumner noted over the weekend that much of the town “was completely destroyed.”
“We have teams all over, scouting and bringing meals, and learning what the folks may need,” Andrés continued in the video. “Trying to provide meals to those who need it every single day.” In another video from Benton, the chef spoke to a resident named Marcella, “who jumped into action to support her community with meals after the tornados!” He called it, “the true @WCKitchen way … no meetings no planning, just cooking!”
“In Edwardsville, Illinois, a massive Amazon fulfillment center was torn apart by a fast-moving tornado, leaving around 50 workers trapped and dozens more injured,” Sumner continued. “As of Saturday morning, local officials had announced at least two deaths.” WCK tweeted that it had been preparing meals for recovery workers, who said “it was the first hot meal they’d had in the cold temperatures since Friday.”
Journalist Victor Ordoñez also shared a video of a man who drove to Mayfield “with a grill and a truckload of food” to help. "I just figured I'd do what I can do,” the unnamed man says.
President Joe Biden said on Monday that he intends to visit the region on Wednesday. "And with each passing day, the human impact of this devastation is just—the depth of the losses are becoming more and more apparent,” he said. “We’re going to be there as long as it takes to help. And the combination of state, federal, and volunteer organizations will do everything from, eventually, not only clear the debris, but provide the necessary means to move, get schools reopened, and making sure that homes are able to be rebuilt, et cetera.”