Newsflash/@chefjoseandres

A Michelin star chef has converted his restaurants in New York City and Washington into soup kitchens to help people struggling because of the coronavirus.

With food supplies short, people losing their jobs and prices rising, Spanish Chef Jose Andres is now offering meals for just 7 USD (5.82 GBP) for guests who cannot afford anything more.

He said that the fact that many firms are closed meant many people would be struggling to make ends meet, and if anybody is unable to afford the low pricetag, there are also free meals for those who really need them, and better off guests have the option of buying meals for others who cannot afford them.

In a statement about the project posted on Twitter, he said: “People of America… Important News: All my restaurants in DC area are closed until further notice. Here at @ThinkFoodGroup safety of employees & guests is too priority. Some restaurants will transform into Community Kitchens to offer to-go lunches for those who need a meal.” (sic)

His communication project will be open from midday until 5 PM with the project starting yesterday. He also pledged paid leave for his staff for the next two weeks.

In New York the closure of restaurants unless they offer takeout or delivery services makes the project more complicated, but Andres’ Little Spain’s Spanish Diner in Hudson Yards is set to carry on operating but as a community kitchen. In Washington the service from his other restaurants will be takeaway food.

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