Written by Jorge Garcia and Rollo Ross
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Spanish chef Jose Andres moved his food aid organization World Central Kitchen to Los Angeles as wildfires burned on Thursday and called for putting politics aside to care for those affected by the disaster.
“Like anywhere in the world, there are people with ways and means, and people without,” said Andres, who is based in the United States. “But you have to be there for all the people, no matter the circumstances.”
“Everyone needs support and love in these moments. Rich or not, poor or not. It's the right thing to do. So you try to make sure no one is left behind or forgotten.”
On the side of the truck was a sign that said “Free Food, Chicken or Shrimp” and several first responders lined up for a meal.
“Are you going to blame the current political party? Can we stop blaming and start building and working together?” Andres asked.
“Bringing out the best in all of us and creating good policy is good policy.”
“Climate change is real, if someone wants to say it's not,” Andres added.
“You could say these things happen randomly, but climate change has a lot to do with it,” he added.
He said there were more hurricanes, tornadoes and floods that he had recently seen up close in North Carolina and the Spanish city of Valencia.
“So let's get it right. Let's make sure we don't forget the people of Puerto Rico or the people of Katrina or the people of North Carolina,” he said.
“Let's make sure we put politics aside and take care of people and solve problems one plate of food at a time. I think everyone would agree with me on that.”
