Chef Daniel Boulud Launches Non-Profit Meal Delivery Service

Two-star Michelin chef Daniel Boulud just announced the launch of Food1st. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is a collaboration between the celebrated restaurateur and Marc Holliday, CEO of SL Green Realty—New York’s largest owner of office real estate. The endeavor is designed to provide daily food deliveries to first responders along with medical personnel and food-insecure families across the city.

Between 1,000-2,000 daily meals will make their way out of Boulud’s downtown prep kitchen, starting today. In addition to the help on the frontlines, the organization will also provide jobs to laid off workers from the food and beverage industry.

“COVID-19 is a challenge unlike anything we’ve ever faced,” says the chef. “The restaurant industry has been hit particularly hard, but we still have the facilities, ability and desire to safely provide quality, nourishing meals to essential workers and those most in need. We’re looking forward to making a positive contribution and we appreciate having the opportunity to partner with SL Green to make this program possible.”

Boulud’s partnership with SL Green, which has already seeded a $1 million grant for the initiative, began last year. The chef inked a deal to open a new restaurant in the company’s latest property, One Vanderbilt—a 1,300 foot tall skyscraper slated to open in midtown later in 2020. In the meantime, the partnership will bring comfort to those across New York who need it most.

A second phase for Food1st rolls out next week, which will bring in more of SL Green’s food and beverage tenants—more than 30 in total. All told, they hope to prepare and deliver 150,000 meals with the initial grant.

“The vision for Food1st is to partner with our tenants — beginning with the great, Chef Daniel Boulud — to provide meals to those who need them, safely bring food workers a paycheck and restore vitality and energy to the City we love,” said Marc Holliday, SL Green Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “By establishing and seeding the Food1st non-profit, we hope others will join us in the fight to alleviate the food shortage in New York City caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

New York mayor Bill de Blasio had this to add: “This is exactly what New Yorkers are about. Helping each other during a time of crisis, picking one another up when we’re down – that’s what makes this city and these people so special. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to offer my sincerest gratitude to SL Green and Daniel Boulud for all they are doing during our city’s time of need.”

Although born in the south of France, chef Boulud has called New York home since the early ‘80s. After attaining success at some of the city’s highest profile kitchens, he went on to launch his own restaurant empire. In addition to operating seven restaurants in the five boroughs, his name is attached to eateries across the globe—from Singapore to Toronto. For the time being, his properties in NYC remain closed. You can contribute to Food1st by clicking here.