The world in 2020 is consumed by uncertainty and fear in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic. Situations change by the hour. The workers in the medical profession are required to stand at the forefront of the fight against the new virus around the clock, sometimes too busy to put any time or thought to their meals. Even though they desperately need a break and nutritional recharge.

In early April, a group of chefs and a restauranteur were contemplating what they could do to contribute. What can be done to help bring some respite for the medical workers during this grueling time? Could we offer them a wholesome, freshly prepared meal to give them strength to face another day? On April 8th, Smile Food Project was jointly established by three organizations:
“Chefs for the Blue”, a group of Japanese chefs working to improve social issues such as marine resource conservation, “CITABRIA”, a company operating restaurants and hospitality business and “NKB”, an advertising agency.

Each organization brings to the fore their expertise. Chefs for the Blue team is responsible for the daily recipe and food preparation, CITABRIA provides their catering crew, facilities and delivery logistics, and NKB manages the overall project and web design. Currently, a maximum of 500 quality, wholesome meals are being delivered to medical institutions, six days a week.

We believe that great food has the power to make people smile. In times of crises, each of us must do whatever it is that we can do. The workers at medical institutions are giving their all to fight Covid-19. If we, the chefs and the restaurant businesses, can show them our support and gratitude by the food we create for this initiative, we feel honored to be able to make our contribution back to our society.