The World Central Kitchen began distributing food to furloughed federal workers in Washington, D.C., during the government shutdown that started on October 1, 2025.

Founded by Chef José Andrés in 2010 after Haiti was hit by a catastrophic earthquake, the World Central Kitchen adheres to its mission of feeding those in need. Their global reach has led them to Gaza and Ukraine, but they also swoop in to help domestically, most recently deploying their efforts to Texas following fatal flooding that devastated the region in July.

Furloughed federal workers from across the nation's capital lined up to take food that the World Central Kitchen provided by teaming with local restaurants across the District of Columbia.

Elizabeth Anderson, a furloughed NASA employee, said it’s tough being a federal worker at this moment. “I'm thankful for the work that World Central Kitchen's doing, just to give us a little extra cushion for the furlough,” Anderson said.

Humberto Lopez, a furloughed federal worker with the Department of Defense, said he is starting to feel the financial squeeze of the shutdown. “It's starting to get real. You know, we just missed the paycheck, so definitely moving money around, playing money games, and you know you can't sustain this for much longer,” Lopez said.

Megan Fortier, a furloughed FEMA employee, said she was walking through the Navy Yard neighborhood when, by chance, she saw the food distribution tents. “It's just tough that the people who are supposed to be supporting us and showing up for us aren't showing up,” Fortier said.

The World Central Kitchen is distributing fresh food, fruit, and water, ranging from vegetarian to meat options to accommodate workers’ dietary restrictions.

This article was provided by The Associated Press.