This story is part of a bi-weekly series that celebrates people who are reaching across a divide to "build bridges" with those different from themselves. The Get Marty: Community Bridges series is made possible with the support of UPMC.
When popular Pittsburgh Chef Kevin Watson opened his Chef’s Table restaurant in Ross Township early last year, he had a plan to use his skills not only to serve his customers delicious food, but to make and deliver free and gourmet meals for shut-in senior citizens.
Little did he know that one month later the need for that sort of kindness would skyrocket with the lockdown brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Now elderly people who were already lonely were completely isolated, unable in many cases to leave their homes to buy groceries or cook for themselves.
Chef Kevin quickly launched a program he calls “Give a Meal” where his customers and other generous neighbors donate the cost of a meal and delivery. The cost of one meal averages around $20. People who know folks who could use a restaurant quality meal nominate them to receive one by filling out a form on the restaurant website.
Chef Kevin said he has had the pleasure of delivering some of the meals to the recipients. “There are things that are good for your spirit. They were very humble, very humble.”
As for his generous donors “they don’t get anything in return except the satisfaction of doing something for a neighbor,” said Chef Kevin. But for them, and him, that’s enough. “We’re a restaurant with a heart and people have to help people. As long as we’re open we’re going to continue this,” he said.
If you’d like to donate to Give a Meal, stop by the restaurant at 2193 Babcock Boulevard (Ross Township), or if you don’t live in the North Hills, e-mail Kevin at chefstablehospitalitygroup@gmail.com to find out to donate by other means. If you want to nominate someone to receive a meal, click here.
The Get Marty: Community Bridges project is produced with the generous support of UPMC. Life Changing Medicine.
