Feast partners with World Central Kitchen in fires

 

Tom Okura, chef program training manager at Feast World Kitchen, reported that Feast partnered with World Central Kitchen at their 3rd Ave Spokane restaurant across from First Presbyterian Church to provide meals for people who evacuated from the wildfires in Spokane, beginning Aug. 3, when World Central Kitchen (WCK) arrived in Spokane.

Feast set up a walk-up tent where those displaced by the fires could receive a free meal.

WCK, an international agency that works in war zones, disaster areas and refugee camps, was quick to respond, identifying places that need support in a tragedy like Spokane's wildfires, which displaced more than 60,000 people and destroyed nearly 900 structures.

"They did research on who needed help, what help they needed and how they could help. They reached out to us to find a partnership with places that serve food, serve the community and could support their efforts," said Tom.

WCK sponsored free meals. Feast gave out 200 to 250 meals a day.

"Many people needed basic things like food and connection to community. Some people just needed a place to get hot food, see a smiling face and talk to others," said Tom.

"People came from all over. They were staying with family and friends, in hotels or shelters like at the Convention Center," said Tom.

For those working with Feast, it was good to help by doing something they do all the time.

"For Feast, food has always been a way to bring people together and to build community," he said. "It plays into our vision to support the community."

A number of Feast chefs, who are former refugees, asked how they could help when Feast announced they were teaming up with WCK. Every day, some prepared the meals, while others volunteered to serve the plates. A number of the refugee chefs had survived difficult situations and understood what it meant to be displaced.

"None of the chefs lost their homes but some were evacuated," said Tom.

"We shared information based on the guidance from health district officials, offering support, resources and information on safety for people in affected areas," he said.

"Usually when disasters and tragedy happen, the community steps up. It's great to see everyone trying to help, and we wanted to make sure everyone knows it's ok to accept help. It strengthens us to have people from around the world come to make sure we all get through this," said Tom.

As of Aug. 24, they continued to serve people but expected that Feast would shift their model in late August to move back to normal operations, but integrate fire response meals into their regular service, anticipating the need for longer term support.

Instead of serving from a tent in front of the restaurant, they are asking people displaced by fires to call or email to sign up. They are asking for a description of the situation for those displaced—lost home, damaged home, hosting those displaced.

They will use remaining funding to offer e-gift cards to order food online or dine in.

"Recovery will take long for many, and food is a practical need and comfort," he said.

Feast has received funds from local donors, World Central Kitchen, Rebuild US and Starbucks Foundation.

For information, call 608-1313, email admin@feastworldkitchen.org or visit feastworldkitchen.org.