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In the aftermath of a tragic midair collision involving an American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday evening, chef José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen quickly mobilized local culinary professionals to provide meals for the first responders engaged in search and recovery efforts on Thursday. Additionally, the Hornblower Group’s City Cruises Washington, which was operating on the Potomac that night, joined the response efforts immediately.
The collision has resulted in the presumptive loss of all 67 individuals aboard both aircraft, leaving the capital and the wider nation in a state of shock.
Chef Matt Adler from Cucina Morini and Caruso’s Grocery began distributing meals to divers via World Central Kitchen’s food truck, while Rasa offered lunches to other emergency responders who worked tirelessly through the night and into Thursday.
“We were informed early today by the World Central Kitchen team and moved instantly to prepare and deliver meals,” Rasa co-founder Rahul Vinod stated. Their team arrived at the Navy Yard at 8:30 a.m. to create over 300 orders of their popular Tikka a Chance on Me and Aloo Need is Love bowls.
Vinod personally delivered meals to three key locations, including the D.C. police air support and the DCA fire station. Other partners of WCK, such as the Alexandria bakery Bread & Water and Lebanese Taverna, also contributed to feeding the responders. According to WCK, food distribution will persist on Friday with assistance from Taco Bamba.
D.C. Central Kitchen has its new headquarters located in Buzzard Point, not far from the tragic recovery site. Following a road closure that began at 4 a.m., the Metropolitan Police Department ensured that their usual meal deliveries were executed. DCCK’s chief development officer, Alexander Justice Moore, reported that they quickly pivoted to deliver hundreds of hot lunches to nearby locations through a mobile food truck.
During the pandemic, Craigslist founder Craig Newmark donated a truck to DCCK specifically for emergencies like this one. First responders were served hearty meals containing herb-roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese, roasted green beans, and butternut squash.
On the day of the tragedy, DCCK noted that over 120 individuals made online donations to support the provision of meals for the first responders. DCCK plans to return to Gravelly Point to provide hot meals for first responders as needed in the following days, according to Moore.
A spokesperson from Hornblower Group’s City Cruises Washington indicated that their crew is still engaged in the emergency response. They expressed gratitude for the swift actions of their Washington, D.C. and Alexandria-based crews aboard the National Elite, stating, “We will continue to support in whatever means necessary. No words can adequately convey our sadness for the victims and their families.”
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dc.eater.com