HMSHost Foundation has joined the recovery efforts led by World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization founded by Washington-based chef José Andrés, with funds to provide cooked meals to aid those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. HMSHost Corporation employs approximately 500 people in the Houston area at George Bush Intercontinental and Houston Hobby International airports.In continued hurricane relief efforts, HMSHost Foundation has contributed $50,000 to various Houston-based charities.

“The determination of Chef Andrés and the entire World Central Kitchen team in response to the recent natural disasters is absolutely inspiring. HMSHost Foundation is proud to support this groupand its efforts in Houston, a city so important to our HMSHost community,” said HMSHost Foundation Director Laura Sildon.

As the news of Hurricane Harvey’s devastation began to surface, World Central Kitchen was quick to mobilize a group of chefs to Houston to cook thousands of meals for residents displaced by the detrimental storms and flooding. The organization’s expansive network of partners on the ground made this entire operation possible. This included chefs from all over the nation who volunteered, including HMSHost Corporation’s chef partner Bryan Caswell of Reef Restaurant Group.

José Andrés and World Central Kitchen did not stop after Houston. When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, the organization again mobilized to respond to the disastrous conditions that left many citizens without reliable sources of food. Andrés and his team set up kitchens and supply networks that contributed to over 2.7 million meals being served with plans to continue through December.

“We are so thankful for all our partners who have donated to support World Central Kitchen’s relief efforts,” commented Andrés. “We are very happy with what we have accomplished in these areas that have been hit hard by devastating hurricanes. After serving more than 2.7 million meals in Puerto Rico, #ChefsforPuertoRico will continue meeting the needs of the American citizens who need the most help in Puerto Rico through Christmas,” continued Andrés.

In total, 19 airport communities in whichHMSHost Corporation operates were impacted in some way as a result of the 2017 hurricane season. HMSHost Foundation is committed to consistently addressing causes of poverty in these local communities. In addition toHMSHost Foundation’s mission to utilize food and shelter to fight poverty, it is also committed to disaster response through support of active organizations like World Central Kitchen whose work contributes to the Foundation’s core mission.

HMSHost Corporation is also facilitating assistance to the company’s affected associates, through its new HMSHost Cares program. HMSHost Cares provides a platform for associates to help fellow associates by donating funds alongside the company’s contributions.

About HMSHost Foundation

HMSHost Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to fight poverty in the local community with food, shelter, education, and workforce development. HMSHost Foundation is uniquely positioned to give back to the communities in which it operates by combating the cycle of poverty at the local level. Charitable work carried out by HMSHost Foundation is done based on pillars of giving:

• Combat hunger and promote nutritional wellness;
• Provide opportunity for financial stability through job training and placement;
• Encourage the next generation through access to education and training;
• Honor our veterans and their families.

Visit HMSHostFoundation.org for more information. We can also be found on Facebook.

About World Central Kitchen

Founded by José Andrés, World Central Kitchen uses the expertise of its Chef Network to create smart solutions to hunger and poverty. WCK is a catalyst of change through chef-driven programs that focus on improving health, education, and employment. Using chef expertise, WCK invests in safe cooking methods, new school kitchens, and culinary training—empowering communities and strengthening economies around the world. Since launching, their work has affected lives in Brazil, Cambodia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nicaragua, Zambia, and the United States.