Following the midair collision between an American Airlines passenger plane and a Black Hawk military helicopter over the Potomac River on Wednesday night, José Andrés's World Central Kitchen mobilized local chefs to feed first responders conducting search and recovery operations. They were joined by City Cruises Washington, a Hornblower Group riverboat that happened to be navigating the icy waterways when called into action.
All 67 people aboard both aircraft are presumed dead. This unthinkable tragedy has shocked both the nation's capital and the country.
On Thursday, chef Matt Adler of Cucina Morini and Caruso's Grocery distributed meals to divers via WCK's food truck, while fast-casual restaurant Rasa delivered lunches to emergency personnel who worked through the night.
"We got the call early this morning from the WCK team and moved quickly to mobilize," Rasa co-founder Rahul Vinod said. His team arrived at Rasa's Navy Yard location at 8:30 a.m. to prepare over 300 bowls of their signature Tikka a Chance on Me and Aloo Need is Love dishes.
Vinod personally made deliveries to three locations: D.C. police air support, the DCA fire station, and DCA operations. Other WCK partners feeding responders included Alexandria bakery Bread & Water and Lebanese Taverna. WCK confirmed that food distribution would continue Friday with help from Taco Bamba.
D.C. Central Kitchen's new Buzzard Point headquarters sits near the recovery site, which was surrounded by road closures starting at 4 a.m. The Metropolitan Police Department ensured DCCK's usual meal deliveries went out that morning, according to chief development officer Alexander Justice Moore. Shortly after, DCCK pivoted to provide hundreds of free hot lunches to nearby locations via mobile delivery truck.
Craigslist founder Craig Newmark donated this truck to DCCK during the pandemic specifically to prepare for emergencies like this one. First responders received hearty meals featuring herb-roasted chicken, mac and cheese, roasted green beans, and butternut squash.
That day alone, more than 120 people made online donations to help cover the costs of first responder meals. DCCK plans to return to Gravelly Point with hot meals for first responders as needed going forward, Moore said.
A Hornblower Group spokesperson confirmed their crew continues to assist in the emergency response.
"We thank our Washington, D.C. and Alexandria-based crews onboard the National Elite for their rapid response throughout the night," the team stated. Their Inner Harbor Spirit vessel will now assist local and federal authorities in search and recovery operations. "We will continue to support in whatever means necessary. No words can adequately convey our sadness for the victims and their families."
