Jose Andres' 'Chefs for Feds' kitchen and cafe for federal workers opens
WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - "Chefs for Feds," led by Celebrity Chef Jose Andres and his non-profit organization World Central Kitchen opened on Wednesday. The pop-up kitchen and cafe opened to feed federal workers and their families during the government shutdown.
The kitchen, which is opening at 701 Pennsylvania Ave. will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Wednesday through the end of the shutdown.
HERE TO HELP: Find Washington, D.C. shutdown resources
The government shutdown is now the longest in the nation's history, as President Trump remains at odds with Democrats over his unyielding demand to fund a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Thousands of federal employees continue to work without pay or remain on furlough.
"We're going to be open for any federal family that needs food. We will have food for you to eat or food for you to take home," said Andres in a video posted on Twitter Monday.
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The D.C. restaurateur has become known for his food philanthropy, most recently bringing food to those impacted by Hurricane Maria in his native home of Puerto Rico.
"We believe that no person should have to go through the pain of knowing when to feed their children," said Andres.
Andres owns several restaurants in the D.C. area, including America Eat Tavern, Barmini, Beefsteak, China Chilcano, Minibar, Oyamel and Jaleo.
In November, Andres offered then-incoming Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a place to stay after she admitted that she could not afford an apartment in Washington, D.C. until her salary kicked in.
Andres was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year by Maryland Congressman John Delaney for work he did in Puerto Rico.
Anyone who wants to get involved and help volunteer or partner with the kitchen can email chefsforfeds@wck.org.