José Andrés Handed Out Free Food to Student Protestors
Fresh from being honored at the Oscars for his tireless efforts to feed the people of Puerto Rico, José Andrés stopped by the March for Our Lives rally in Washington D.C., where students descended on the capitol to show their support for gun control on Saturday. The philanthropist-chef once against proved the generosity of his spirit by handing out free food to the young people who had come out to march.
Live from #FoodForOurLives at #MarchForOurLives here at Navy Memorial! Such amazing energy in DC!! Come see us for free food + discounts around city for students ???? https://t.co/8vEYjq8uQu pic.twitter.com/dcbqZXQ4fp
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) March 24, 2018
In a video posted to his Twitter account, Andrés voiced support for the students who turned up to the rally, saying that “the adults are not in charge anymore, we are here to support you, the future, the kids.”
Andrés set up a booth at the Navy Memorial, where he handed out doughnuts, apples, bottled water, pizza, and sandwiches to marchers, according to local news station KIII TV.
Dropping off the last of the 5k donuts to @chefjoseandres for the #FoodForOurLives project pic.twitter.com/0oZmd0Z94f
— Sugar Shack Donuts (@SugarShackDMV) March 24, 2018
One local Virginia shop called Sugar Shack Donuts donated 5,000 of the treats to Andrés' cause, and restaurants around the area offered discounted meals to families who participated in the rally.
#MarchForOurLives #MFOLDC @AMarch4OurLives we are here ready to support you! #FoodForOurLives distribution point 7th & Pennsylvania Navy Memorial..we are here for you! https://t.co/8vEYjqq5I2 pic.twitter.com/dKhvYhtsev
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) March 24, 2018
Another video posted by the chef shows crowds of marchers lining up to grab paper bag lunches before continuing on the march’s route.
Andrés has never been shy about voicing his political views. Earlier this year he commented that “restaurants could not run” if immigrants were forced out of the country. He also criticized the current administration’s immigration policy—including one announcement specifically targeting Salvadoran refugees—which “is throwing families and communities into crisis for no good reason.”
The chef is rightly being praised for his efforts to provide aid to Puerto Rico; his organization World Central Kitchen, which served more than 3 million meals in the hurricane devastated country, was recently honored as one of the most innovative food companies in the world by Fast Company.
Back in February, Andrés announced that he is planning to write a book about his experiences working in Puerto Rico.