The American India Foundation (AIF) has partnered with World Central Kitchen (WCK) for its COVID-19 Response in the US. Through this partnership, AIF will serve 20,000 meals to frontline health workers in under-resourced hospitals across Boston, New York City, the Bay Area, and Chicago, and in the process, support local kitchens and jobs too. The AIF Board and EXL put together a seed fund to make this important work possible.

“The unprecedented human toll of COVID-19 has been particularly evident among frontline healthcare workers in both the US and India. AIF trustees and donors from the Greater Boston Area have stepped up generously to support the partnership with World Central Kitchen to provide thousands of meals for frontline health workers in under-resourced hospitals and local food kitchens throughout New England” said Sunita and Brian Pereira. “WCK is employing local vendors and restaurants to provide meals, thus serving our twin goals of providing relief to healthcare workers and employment to local communities” they added.

This collaboration is the latest installment of AIF’s COVID-19 Response Effort through which it is serving more than 100,000 vulnerable people – including migrant workers in India – from economic and social fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As the impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve, frontline healthcare workers in both the US and in India are serving an important role in the fight against the pandemic, requiring our support now more than ever,” said AIF CEO Nishant Pandey. “AIF is happy to be teaming up with WCK to provide daily meals to hospitals, and long-term care facilities throughout New York City, Bay Area, Boston and Chicago. Through this initiative, we want to show our gratitude towards the frontline health workers in the US. This partnership will also help the local economy and jobs by supporting local kitchens and restaurants.”

 World Central Kitchen, an international not-for-profit organization founded by chef José Andrés, uses the power of food to heal and strengthen communities in times of crisis. Through their work with AIF, World Central Kitchen is employing local vendors and restaurants to provide twenty thousand meals for hospitals and meal centers who need support during this unprecedented time.

“In this moment of profound need, World Central Kitchen’s team of food first responders is honored and grateful to collaborate with American India Foundation’s COVID-19 response efforts to serve and protect underprivileged communities and facilities against the pandemic,” said Nate Mook, CEO of World Central Kitchen. “To provide meals for the tireless and brave medical professionals working on the front lines of this crisis, as well as to meal centers that need assistance more than ever, is truly an honor.” 

Raj and Nalini Sharma added, “We strongly believe we have an obligation to help the communities we live in - this is an unprecedented crisis that is impacting our most vulnerable citizens. I am delighted AIF is stepping up to the plate to assist our local communities. We are all in this together”

The COVID-19 response framework put forth by AIF consists of behavior change communication (including digital engagement), promoting community preparedness and building long-term resilience of communities. AIF seeks the support of its donors and partners to augment its resources for the urgent implementation of this COVID-19 Response Strategy. To donate, please visit https://aif.org/donate/covid-19-response/.

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