“Marissa Hermer, a renowned restaurateur, launched a food initiative to help those affected by California wildfires.”
If there’s one thing Marissa Hermer knows how to do, it’s bring people together through food.
The restaurateur and former “Ladies of London” star is among the many residents affected by the devastating wildfires in Greater Los Angeles. After evacuating her Pacific Palisades home, Hermer decided to turn her personal struggles into a mission to give back to the community she has called home for over a decade.
A Heartbreaking Evacuation
Hermer recounted the harrowing experience of evacuating to media, describing the chaos of grabbing essentials in a rush.
“I wore every piece of jewelry I owned, carried bags full of belongings, and walked out about a mile,” she said. “There’s no real way to plan for this.”
After initially hearing that her French brasserie, The Draycott, was destroyed in the fires, Hermer resolved to take action. Thankfully, she later learned that the restaurant is still standing, though the extent of the damage remains unknown.
“YOU GIVE. WE COOK. THEY EAT.”
As Hermer drove her children and dogs to safety, she considered a basic but urgent need: dinner.
“When you don’t have a kitchen, figuring out what’s for dinner becomes a big challenge,” she explained.
Determined to help others facing the same struggle, Hermer launched a food delivery service, “YOU GIVE. WE COOK. THEY EAT.” Using the kitchens at her West Hollywood restaurants, Chez Mia and Olivetta, Hermer and her team are preparing warm meals—including bread, salad, and pasta—for displaced families, firefighters, shelters, and hospital workers.
A Community Effort
Hermer has raised over $50,000 to fund the initiative, providing meals to those in need on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The program, first launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, accepts donations from around the world. Supporters can contribute by texting “DINNER” to 707070.
Through Hermer’s Instagram account, displaced families in Los Angeles can request meals by commenting “family.” People can also nominate families in need by commenting “nominate family” and tagging the individual. Drivers willing to deliver meals can comment “driver.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help,” Hermer said. “So if you know a family who needs a meal, you can nominate them, and we’ll handle the rest.”
A Lesson in Community
Hermer, who is temporarily staying in a hotel with her children, shared her thoughts on resilience and unity.
“Community isn’t just about buildings—it’s about togetherness and connection,” she said.
Hermer’s children’s school is gone, many of her friends have lost their homes, and her own home’s future is uncertain. Yet, she remains focused on giving back.
“I am alive. I’m surviving,” she said. “The devastation is enormous, but there’s hope. We can band together. We are a community. Let’s fix this. Let’s help.”
Stay tuned with NarwhalTV for more expert tips and insights on love, relationships, and personal growth – don’t miss out!
FAQ’S
1. Who is Marissa Hermer?
Marissa Hermer is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and philanthropist known for her culinary expertise and community-driven initiatives. She is actively involved in addressing social and environmental issues through her business ventures and charitable efforts.
2. What is Marissa Hermer’s food initiative about?
Marissa Hermer’s food initiative aims to provide support to communities affected by California’s devastating wildfires. The initiative focuses on delivering nutritious meals, disaster relief, and long-term recovery assistance to those impacted by the fires.
3. How does Marissa Hermer’s initiative help wildfire victims?
Through her initiative, Marissa partners with local food suppliers, restaurants, and volunteers to prepare and distribute meals to displaced families and first responders. The initiative also supports local farmers and food producers who are affected by the wildfires.
4. What types of food are being distributed?
The initiative focuses on providing healthy, filling, and locally-sourced meals, including fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and staples. The goal is to offer both immediate relief and nutritious meals for long-term recovery.
5. Is the initiative only for people directly affected by the wildfires?
While the primary focus is on those directly impacted by the fires, Marissa’s initiative also includes support for first responders, volunteers, and communities affected by fire-related disruptions.
6. How can I get involved or contribute to the initiative?
Individuals can contribute by donating funds, volunteering their time, or partnering with local businesses that are part of the relief efforts. Marissa’s team often provides opportunities for the community to get involved through fundraising events and volunteer programs.
7. Where is the initiative operating?
The initiative is primarily focused on regions within California that have been most affected by the wildfires, including Northern and Southern California. Meal distributions and recovery efforts are taking place across several affected areas.
8. How is Marissa Hermer’s initiative funded?
The initiative is funded through a combination of personal contributions from Marissa, donations from the public, partnerships with local organizations, and support from corporate sponsors who are committed to aiding in disaster recovery efforts.
9. What impact has the initiative had so far?
The initiative has been successful in providing thousands of meals to wildfire victims and first responders. It has also helped raise awareness about the ongoing challenges of wildfire recovery and the importance of community support.
10. How can I stay updated on the progress of the initiative?
You can follow Marissa Hermer’s social media accounts or visit her official website for regular updates. Additionally, you can sign up for newsletters or join local community groups to stay informed about upcoming volunteer opportunities, events, and fundraising efforts.
