Employees at celebrity chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen operation in Kharkiv, Ukraine, were among those injured in an April 16 Russian missile attack that also killed two.
World Central Kitchen’s CEO Nate Mook announced the news on Twitter:
“An update I hoped I’d never have to make. I’m at a @WCKitchen restaurant in Kharkiv, where less than 24 hours ago I was meeting with their amazing team. Today, a missile stuck. 4 staff were wounded. This is the reality here—cooking is a heroic act of bravery.”
The charity has been on the front lines of the war since shortly after the initial Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition to cooking food and serving families in need, WCK has been delivering food and ingredient kits to residents -- most of whom are seniors -- who have no access to food.
Following the missile attack, Andrés vowed to continue to serve food in Ukraine.
Andrés wrote:
“To everyone caring and sending good wishes to the team in Kharkiv, thank you, the injured are fine, and everyone is ready and willing to start cooking in another location."
"All our friends are TRUE heroes! Many ways to fight, we do it with food!” he wrote.
On Sunday Mook posted on Twitter that the operation was already being moved to another location.
“The work doesn’t stop! Today, the restaurant team is moving all food products & non-damaged equipment to another kitchen location in Kharkiv,” wrote Mook. “The injured staff are doing well—and all the team here wants to continue cooking. Truly in awe at the bravery of our @WCKitchen partners!”
