Compassion Kitchen Project feeds hungry, keeps others employed

ATLANTA — The COVID-19 pandemic is sending shock waves across entire industries, especially nonprofits at a time when even more people are vulnerable.

Lisa Blanco launched the Compassion Kitchen Project to help local restaurants, nonprofits and people suffering from food insecurity.

“Many of us who have been engaged in the community volunteering felt like we were sitting on the sidelines and helpless,” said Blanco.

Compassion Kitchen Project uses tax-deductible donations to buy meals from local restaurants. Those meals go to nonprofits that are helping feed the homeless and families in need.

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City of Refuge founder and CEO Bruce Deel called the project a blessing and a win for everyone involved saying, “They’re already prepared. They’re high quality. They taste great. It’s just been phenomenal.”

The Atlanta nonprofit provides shelter and services for people and families in crisis. They serve around 350,000 meals per year.

In its first week of operation, Compassion Kitchen Project delivered more than 1,200 meals.

Chris Hall with Unsukay Restaurants Partner said the partnership is helping keep his restaurants afloat because “We had to lay off many of our employees and it’s things like this that have allowed us to bring them back to work because we have things for them to do and we’re able to pay them.”

You can find details to donate or volunteer here.

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