World Central Kitchen Plow to Plate

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World Central Kitchen

Founded in 2010 by chef and humanitarian José Andrés, the mission of World Central Kitchen (WCK) is to use the power of food to empower communities and create smart solutions to hunger and poverty. Over the last eight years, WCK has served more than 8 million freshly made, nutritious meals through 23 deployments with over 44,000 volunteer shifts worked, to survivors in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters around the globe.

After an emergency is over, WCK often makes ongoing commitments with programs designed to successfully address chronic food system challenges in the communities where they’ve deployed. One such program, Plow to Plate, is committed to reducing the high rate of food insecurity that exists in Puerto Rico by supporting and partnering with smallholder farms, agricultural organizations, and small businesses in the food economy through direct funding grants. The program’s goal is to build a more resilient and sustainable local food system that doesn't rely on imported food supplies. Currently, food import levels in Puerto Rico range from 85-95%. Plow to Plate aims to reduce that amount to 65% by 2025.

The Change Happens Foundation is proud to partner with Chef Andrés and his team of innovative and highly dedicated changemakers. Previously recognized for his outstanding altruism with a James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year award, Chef Andres has recently been nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize.