While the world tries to recover from the devastating human toll, massive shutdowns, extended layoffs, and unexpected long-term job losses from the COVID-19 global pandemic, thousands of people wonder where they will get their next meal. But there are some amazing people and organizations who are doing their part to feed the hungry.
Chef Lee Wright, host of the global TV series, EAT, SKI, LIVE, is lending his culinary skills to WITH COMPASSION, founded by Leon Arts of Kitchens With Compassion, and to make sure people in London have fresh, hot food every day. Wright and 300+ other professional chefs, foodies, and volunteers are donating their time and talents to prepare meals and serve thousands of hungry Londoners each day. During the pandemic, WITH COMPASSION has been operating out of kitchens at some of London’s most famous locations including Wembley Stadium, Alexandra Palace, or “Ally Pally” as the well-known entertainment and event venue is called, and more recently at London Scottish House.
“To be able to work at one of the biggest event stadiums in the country, Wembley, and to meet so many different characters, from event chefs to private chefs, all professionals was amazing,” Chef Lee said, “This is a real eye-opener of how people come together through these very tough times.”
Since the pandemic started, WITH COMPASSION has prepared and delivered more than 500,000 meals to front-line health workers and those in need. So far, the organization has also raised nearly $400,000 (£300,000 Pounds Sterling) in donations.
Throughout November and December, Chef Lee Wright and other volunteers are also working out of food trucks that have now been donated to WITH COMPASSION for meal preparations and deliveries all across London.
With the hospitality industry in crisis, Chef Lee wanted to keep busy for his own mental health and well-being during England’s pandemic lockdowns. Giving back and cooking for people in need aligns with the important focus of the global TV series Chef Lee is co-developing and hosting – EAT, SKI, LIVE – DISCOVERING YOUR BALANCE WITH FOOD, TRAVEL, ACTION & FUN!
“Being a tiny part of this exciting new venture whilst in lockdown has been an amazing experience and has helped me to keep discovering the all-important life balance,” said Chef Lee.
It’s important that we all do our part to help end hunger around the world. By the end of 2020, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) expects 270 million people worldwide to experience acute hunger – that’s an 82% increase since the coronavirus pandemic began.
If you are interested in volunteering in the London area and/or contributing to WITH COMPASSION, here’s how you can help. In the United States, you can help people in need by getting involved with FEEDING AMERICA, a nationwide network of Food Banks engaged in the fight to end hunger. Here are some other charities that focus on ending world hunger: ACTION AGAINST HUNGER, BREAD FOR THE WORLD INSTITUTE, THE HUNGER PROJECT, HEIFER INTERNATIONAL, MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA, NO KID HUNGRY.