Catering company donates meals after 60 weddings postponed during pandemic
Beltsville, Md. (WJLA) - — Catering companies in the DMV are wondering what to do with extra food now that parties, weddings and events are cancelled.
Catering by Uptown is donating nearly 2,000 meals a day to organizations that help the community.
Nearly sixty weddings cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic left chefs at The Villa in Beltsville wondering how to spend their time.
“The phones were ringing off the hook. There were a lot of brides concerned about the future of their event and their special day,” Chris Cherry said.
Cherry and his fellow chefs decided to turn their kitchen into a space that could prepare food for the community.
Today they made 1,850 meals for three different organizations in D.C. and Baltimore.
“We are all in the service business every one of us so whether we are serving a wedding or the needy or first responders it’s all a form of service,” Cherry said.
Joe Paul connected with The Villa when his friend’s wedding was postponed.
He wanted to know how they could help turn a day of love into a day of giving.
He helped plan a food donation to Central Union Mission in D.C. who helps the homeless.
“I think every cloud has a silver lining and yes in one instance a wedding was cancelled or postponed but in another instance we have food which is plentiful and bountiful and available for use,” Paul said.
Salmon, Roast Beef and sides are all being sent to Central Union Mission.
Deborah Chambers, Central Union Mission VP of Development and Partnerships, said all of this food will serve more than 200 men.
“It’s during times like this that resources can be unpredictable and food sources may dry up that the help of the community really matters most,” Chambers said.
To donate to the Central Union Mission click here.
