Believing in Our COVID-19 First Responders
Believing in our COVID-19 First Responders: More than 25M meals provided with the support of AT&T.
AT&T helped provide more than 25 million meals to communities in need around the country
In the wake of COVID-19, AT&T committed $5.5 million to support first responders, medical personnel and others in need. Working with Feeding America, The Salvation Army, Team Rubicon, and World Central Kitchen, we were able to provide more than 25M meals. Here’s a summary of the work.
April 2, 2020
Across the country – and around the world – first responders and medical personnel are playing a critical role in helping care for their communities during the COVID-19 crisis.
"First responders and medical personnel represent the best of our country, selflessly stepping up to act in times of crisis," said retired Fire Chief Al H. Gillespie, past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. "Many will never understand the strain of being a first responder during these challenging times, tasked with fighting COVID-19, while also caring for family and friends." Chief Gillespie knows firsthand having spent a career protecting our communities.
That’s why AT&T is committing $5.5 million to provide much needed support – in the form of nourishing meals – for first responders, medical personnel and others in need impacted by COVID-19. The effort begins now with a $1.5 million contribution to World Central Kitchen.
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen uses the power of food to heal and strengthen communities in times of crisis and beyond. The nonprofit organization activates restaurants and kitchens to feed marginalized and vulnerable communities in times of need. In the face of COVID-19, their team of food first responders is delivering individually packaged nourishing meals to the nurses, doctors and EMTs working around the clock to serve our communities during these unprecedented times.
"This pandemic is challenging daily life as we know it. When you think about the actions required to help ensure the safety of our society, it's all about our first responders, medical professionals and those on the front lines," said Anne Chow, CEO of AT&T Business. "At the end of the day, our priority is people. We are in the business of keeping people communicating and connected. And right now that means providing these courageous individuals with everything from a fast, dedicated lane of connectivity over FirstNet to the sustaining meals which help fuel them."
"We know that in the most challenging times, a meal can mean hope, dignity and a reminder that someone cares about you. With the support of AT&T, we can move with even more urgency to expand our reach, deliver more meals and remind the people who care for our communities that we care for them," said Nate Mook, CEO of World Central Kitchen.
In addition to World Central Kitchen, we're supporting Feeding America, the Salvation Army and Team Rubicon. We'll also be collaborating with a host of additional local organizations in communities most impacted by the pandemic. Together, these organizations will help create a network of expertise in food security, disaster response and community engagement to deploy the resources needed to reach the most vulnerable populations across the country.
Through our AT&T Believes initiative, a localized effort to create positive change in our communities, our work will continue to evolve and grow in the coming weeks and months to ensure we’re reaching the communities and personnel who need us most.
"Our folks on the front lines - police, doctors, EMTs and others - are working nonstop to keep their communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Kevin McGinnis, KM, paramedic and paramedic chief retired, communications technology advisor for the National Association of State EMS Officials. "With the help of AT&T, World Central Kitchen and others, we ensure we can help our frontline heroes get the support - in the form of food - they need to do their jobs during these unprecedented and difficult times."
AT&T invites consumers to get involved through a text-to-give program. Through the program, you can donate $10 to World Central Kitchen, Feeding America or Team Rubicon, increasing the impact we can have from coast to coast. More information can be found below.
Help a First Responder Through Text-to-Give
A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill. All donations must be authorized by the account holder. Message & Data Rates May Apply.
