JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Millions of Ukrainian refugees are fleeing the violence in their country and spending days traveling to reach a safe space.
World-famous chef Jose Andrés is trying to reach as many people as he can through his nonprofit World Central Kitchen to help feed them.
STORY: Jacksonville family takes in over a dozen Ukrainian refugees
Action News Jax’s Alicia Tarancon spoke with a local chef who has been inspired by this work and is raising money.
Jay Phelan is a chef who cooks for some high-profile clients, including the Jaguars.
He owns J. William Culinary and is currently training for River City Dancing with the Stars to raise money for the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus.
He’s also fundraising on Facebook for Andrés’ nonprofit World Central Kitchen.
“I’m not great about asking people for money or asking really people for anything but this is a special circumstance, so I reached out and I gave my best pitch, and it immediately took off,” Phelan said.
If you check out Phelan’s Facebook page “Jay’s Fundraiser for World Central Kitchen,” you can see that so far, he has raised almost $7,000 despite only starting this fundraiser a little over a week ago.
That money will go to chef Andrés nonprofit. He has set up facilities in Ukraine and neighboring countries to help feed refugees fleeing war.
STORY: Two men arrested in connection to 2020 quadruple shooting and murder of local father, police say
“To go there with their heart and soul and to help people that they’ve never met that they have no connections to. To feed them and give them fresh water and clean water to comfort them,” Phelan said.
Phelan said that while the situation is bleak, he can’t help but feel inspired.
In fact, he’s hopeful that in the next four to six weeks, he’ll be able to be in Ukraine and neighboring countries with chef Jose Andrés to prepare much-needed meals for refugees.
“Food has a huge role in our health and our wellbeing as human beings. It is necessary for us to stay alive. We are nourishing people and letting them know that they are cared for,” Phelan said.
To donate, click here.
©2022 Cox Media Group
