Cooks Come Together to Feed the Cape in a Crisis – 15,000 Meals Served Amid Blizzard

Post storm, volunteer Eve Scott-Ludwig is back at work at the Family Table Collaborative, helping to prepare a large pot of chili on March 3. (Photos by Agata Storer)

The recent blizzard that struck Cape Cod on February 23 left many residents without power and in urgent need of food and support. In response, Family Table Collaborative (FTC) and a network of local chefs, volunteers, and organizations quickly mobilized to provide over 15,000 hot meals to storm victims, emergency responders, and utility workers.

Chef Jeff Avery, left, and Family Table Collaborative director Jeni Wheeler have a more normal workday on March 3.

Chef Jeff Avery, who was among the first to arrive at FTC, immediately began preparing meals for storm shelters and warming centers. He was soon joined by fellow chefs Nick Caplise, Jenny Burkhardt, and volunteer Kathy Kunawian, and the team worked around the clock to prepare nourishing meals for those in need. FTC’s kitchen, which serves as a key part of the county’s emergency response team, was able to serve thousands of meals throughout the week.

“We knew we needed to hit the ground running right away,” said Chef Avery. “And I was so grateful to be part of such a supportive network of people coming together to help.”

In addition to FTC’s dedicated kitchen team, local chefs like Mick Formichella from Lune in Dennis Port, Matt Tropeano from Cape Cod Tech, and many others volunteered to lend their skills to the effort. By Wednesday, there were at least 30 people helping at FTC, including 10 cooks and 15 to 20 volunteers. Together, they ensured that hot meals reached shelters, warming stations, and even emergency workers out in the field.

World Central Kitchen, the Washington D.C.-based nonprofit, also stepped in to provide crucial support by sourcing additional food from local stores, including Whole Foods and BJ’s. With their help, FTC was able to continue preparing and distributing meals despite limited resources.

“This was a true community effort,” said Jeni Wheeler, FTC’s director. “We were able to serve meals thanks to the incredible support from local businesses and volunteers. It’s what makes this community so special.”

On the Outer Cape, local restaurants like the Fairway in Eastham and Fanizzi’s in Provincetown also played a vital role by cooking and delivering meals to shelters and warming stations. These efforts further demonstrated the power of collaboration during times of crisis.

The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority also played an essential role in meal distribution, helping to ensure that food reached even the most remote areas. “The unsung heroes of this storm response were the people working to get meals out,” said Wheeler.

In total, the efforts of FTC, World Central Kitchen, and the local community resulted in 15,000 meals served to those in need throughout the storm’s aftermath. Whether it was a warm plate of pasta or a hot bowl of soup, these meals provided comfort to a community in crisis.

FTC’s mission to provide access to nutritious, healthy food continues to have a lasting impact, especially in times of emergency. As Wheeler shared, “The response from the community during this crisis shows that, when we come together, we can truly make a difference.”

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