Jacksonville Chef Jay Phelan is currently preparing for one of his most challenging assignments yet. If things go as planned Phelan will be leaving soon for the Ukrainian Polish border to volunteer his talents with World Central Kitchen.
He said as soon as Russia invaded Ukraine, he knew he needed to be there to help.
“I feel like there is work to be done and as much as there maybe the potential for danger my situation is nothing compared to those fleeing the death and destruction in their homeland,” said Phelan
Phelan who has set up a Go Fund Me account to help raise money for World Central Kitchen, the organization he’ll be working with, said he’s leaving early May.
“I’m going there to work and nothing else. So, I’d imagine 10-15 hours a day…local kitchens and venues in Przemysl, Poland have allowed their spaces to be used to cook for and feed and house refugees, he said.
Phelan believes he’ll be able to rent a room.
For Phelan he said this is the best way to let people know that he cares. He can’t begin to imagine how difficult it is for the elderly, children, and those with disabilities all wondering if they’ll ever go home. For Phelan who trained at the prestigious French Culinary Institute and cooked for the Jacksonville Jaguars he said this is his way to provide a bit of comfort for those literally in a war zone.
