Local Businesses Help During Recovery

In the days and weeks after the derecho, organizations and individuals stepped up to help the community. Many are wonderful stories you have probably heard — such as Willie Ray’s, Hy-Vee, the community-led relief center, and Operation BBQ Relief, which served over 70,000 meals in Cedar Rapids. Other work was happening that you likely have not heard about.

Kevin O’Brian, local McDonalds franchise owner, quickly mobilized five different stores to provide over 1000 double cheeseburgers and apple pies to residents in need. Kevin also donated and distributed over 1500 bottles of Gatorade and soda in the Cedar Rapids City Hall parking lot for residents. Nate Kaeding, a local developer and owner of Big Grove, set up a tent outside of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and served over 500 lunches. Atlantic Bottling Company and Kum & Go donated pallets of beverages and water to distribute at multiple food sites. And the international organization, World Central Kitchen (WCK), teamed up with a number of local restaurants to provide over 10,000 meals throughout the community. Most of these meals were delivered directly to residents at apartment complexes and other areas of need.

It was impactful to see so many people and organizations stepping up to help

“It was impactful to see so many people and organizations stepping up to help, and nonprofits such as the Zach Johnson Foundation and Urban Dreams helping mobilize groups and provide a coordinated response,” said Ana Stomp, Cedar Rapids Economic Development Specialist, who helped coordinate food sites and distribution.

Thank you to WCK and these local restaurants for serving a crucial role in fulfilling the food needs of the community while power was being restored. Thank you to the food delivery drivers with box trucks who donated their time to help, the well over 100 volunteers who staffed the site; and thank you to every business, friend, and neighbor who stepped up to help your community through this disaster.

World Central Kitchen Local Partners:

Aroma Pizza

Chilled Freezer Meals

Don Miguel

El Bajío

La Cantina

O’s Grill

One More Bite

Fong’s Pizza

KUWTJ Food Truck

Panera

Caribbean Kitchen

Parlor City Pub

Brewhemia

Bricks Bar and Grill

La Reyna

Maria’s Tacos

Relish

Tacos Don Diego

Dumpling Darling