Printer Friendly Version - So That Hungry People May Eat

Even beyond whatever might be worrying us about our own lives right now, there is so much to worry about in the world.

Some disasters we can blame on deliberate human stupidity and hatred. Some we can try to trace back to a source and imagine a way forward. Then, there are earthquakes. Sure, there are seismologists and geologists. But is there really any way of making sense of something that wreaks such instantaneous, indiscriminate, widespread destruction and death?

That being the case, it can make sense to turn away from the news, the pictures, the videos. But, before we do, we have an obligation to ask ourselves how we might help and then answer that question with action.

One way I do that is by giving to World Central Kitchen (wck.org), run by Chef José Andrés. He says the idea behind the organization came from his wife Patricia and is simply this, “when people are hungry, send in cooks. Not tomorrow, today.” Ukraine. Armenia. Afghanistan. Morocco. Gainsville. Tallahassee. As I write this, the organization is positioning teams to provide meals in Israel, Gaza, and neighboring countries “should there be a flow of refugees.”

They explain it this way, “World Central Kitchen is a non-governmental, non-political organization committed to providing meals to people in need, regardless of nationality or ethnicity…At this critical juncture, we wish to emphasize our focus remains steadfast on feeding any and all civilians who lack access to food or are hungry and vulnerable. Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure our relief efforts are fast, effective, and reach as many people as possible in this time of crisis. The loss and trauma is unfathomable. We believe in the power of food to unite and heal, and we thank you for standing with us as we strive to make the world a better place, one meal at a time. Wherever there’s a fight so that hungry people may eat, we will be there.”

Another way to help World Central Kitchen is to buy a copy of The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope (wck.org/cookbook), released last month. It’s full of stories about people with boots on the ground doing the hard work of helping people on the front lines of this world’s current tragedies. There are pictures of people working hard with triumphant smiles. There are ideas for how to use the cookbook to take even more action, perhaps by planning an event, starting a conversation, or encouraging others to donate. There are some great recipes, too. Here’s one I look forward to making soon.

Kosher salt
1 pound pasta, such as elbows or shells
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Bring four quarts water to boil, adding about 2 tablespoons of salt to the water. When boiling, add pasta and cook to just al dente. Drain, set aside.
In a medium pot, melt the butter, add the flour, and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until a thick paste is formed. Slowly add the milk, and combine, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan. Keep stirring until it bubbles, but not boiling, and then reduce the heat to low. Add 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, mustard, and continue to cook until sauce thickens, about five minutes. Sauce should be creamy enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove sauce from heat and slowly mix in cheddar, a handful at a time, stirring. Add pasta to sauce, stir, serve.

Variations includes kimchi mac and cheese, jalapeno mac and cheese, and leftovers mac and cheese served with Beef Randang, Braised Pork al Pastor, and Firerighter Chili. Those variations and recipes are available in The World Central Kitchen Cookbook.

World Central Kitchen’s Field Kitchens prepare thousands of meals every day including a variety of comforting soups and stews, among with fresh fruit and bread. This stew was prepared for families in Morocco affected by a recent earthquake. Photo courtesy of World Central Kitchen