Jennifer Garner Teams Up with José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen to Aid Los Angeles Wildfire Victims

Chef José Andrés and his non-profit organization, World Central Kitchen (WCK), were quick to respond to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles in January 2024. Joining Andrés in the relief effort was actress Jennifer Garner, who worked alongside WCK to provide meals to first responders and families impacted by the disaster.

Andrés praised Garner’s dedication and compassion, noting her seamless integration into the WCK team. “She lost a friend [and] she was there like one more,” Andrés shared, emphasizing Garner’s intuitive understanding of the situation and her ability to offer comfort and support. He described witnessing Garner “giving hugs to so many people” while distributing food, highlighting the importance of human connection during times of crisis.

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Andrés expressed gratitude for all the volunteers who contributed to the relief effort, stating, “Everybody that was able to show up even for an hour, for me, they’re amazing people, because they don’t have to.” He underscored the selfless nature of their work, often performed away from the spotlight, highlighting the genuine care and compassion driving their actions.

The wildfires, which began on January 7, 2024, tragically claimed 27 lives, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, and forced thousands to evacuate their homes. WCK, renowned for its global disaster relief efforts in regions like Gaza and Ukraine, swiftly mobilized to provide sustenance and support to those affected.

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Garner acknowledged leveraging her platform to assist WCK, stating she used her “celebrity privilege” to join Andrés and his team. She expressed a deep need to contribute tangibly, emphasizing the desire to utilize her resources to make a difference. “It’s just like you need to do something with your hands and so I took advantage a little bit, of celebrity privilege and called chef [Andrés] and said, ‘Please, can I come with you?'”

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Garner revealed the personal impact of the tragedy, confirming the loss of a friend who was unable to escape the fires. She spoke of the profound sadness within her community and the widespread devastation, sharing that she knew countless families who lost their homes. The actress conveyed a sense of guilt amidst her own safety, highlighting the overwhelming need to provide assistance to those affected. She questioned, “what can I do? How can I help? What can I offer?” demonstrating her commitment to supporting the recovery efforts.