Chef Sasha Grumman steps up during Houston’s time of need

Winter storm Uri hit Houston and all of Texas hard. Many of us sheltered at home without power and water, and for those that are fortunate that week of discomfort was the brunt of our burden. Many were not as fortunate. During our city’s time of need, leaders stepped up and helped. IHWSH volunteer, Chef Sasha Grumman, is one of those leaders. We had the chance to catch up with Chef Sasha about her volunteer work with World Central Kitchen. Here’s what she shared with us.

Tell us about World Central Kitchen and why you got involved.

I was first approached to work with World Central Kitchen last year. I helped organize the Chefs for the Polls movement where we paired vendors with busy polling sites to feed the community. I got involved with WCK because I really love the true mission of the organization. We go where there is a crisis and a need, and this mission takes us worldwide. We not only help the community, but we also support vendors by compensating them for their product. It's a win-win for everyone involved! I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the World Central Kitchen team.

Tell us about your efforts, the meals you prepared and/or helped organize, who received them and why.

As a chef that has been furloughed due to the pandemic, I wasn't available to provide meals myself, but I was able to rely on my network to get chefs and vendors involved in the relief efforts. My main job is to pair vendors with those in need. Through this Texas Freeze, we were able to provide thousands of meals across the state from senior living facilities, to those sheltering at Gallery Furniture with Mattress Mack, to providing hundreds of hot meals to the Harris County Sheriff's Office employees that had been on extended shifts for days. We also worked directly with Kids’ Meals, a non-profit that provides meals to children in need. The need is far and wide and wherever it is, we provide hope and comfort in the form of a nutritious meal—as best as we can. 

Harris Country Sheriff's Office with Churrasco To Go owner, Oscar Garcia, and Chef Sasha Grumman (Photo by Cesar Monroy).

Executive Director of Kids' Meals, Beth Harp, and Chef Sasha Grumman (Photo by Fred Fujifred Agho).

Were you personally affected by the storm?

Like most Texans, I lost power and water. Fortunately, I was able to rely on my friends and family for shelter and community. I am forever grateful for Catherine Manterola, in her effort to keep me and my dog Aspen safe and warm. She was also pivotal to my success with World Central Kitchen last week. 

Do you have a memorable moment that stands out that you'd like to share?

I have so many memorable moments from this past week! The drive to support one another was really infectious and I was so lucky to be a part of it.

Working with Mattress Mack was incredible. This connection also led to other partnerships and events like a water distribution event with Trae tha Truth, where other rappers, celebrities, and politicians showed up to help and be a part of the relief efforts. Oscar and his team at Churrascos To Go served over 1,000 meals that day. 

Burns BBQ also deserves a huge shoutout! Cory, Marcus, and the whole team were inspiring and truly represent #houstonstrong. They stepped up and served over 10,000 meals this past week and I am so incredibly grateful for their positivity, inclusivity, and community. 

Everyone involved is a true Houston Hero. Activations like this are not possible without the drive and grit of our industry. It brings us back to the foundation of why most of us started working in hospitality, human connection, and giving to those around us. During times like this, it is our responsibility to provide the public with support and hope, and I believe that a hot meal can do just that. I saw exactly that this week, first-hand, and I am filled with gratitude for each vendor, volunteer, and community member that helped make WCK successful during and after the storm. 

Mattress Mack of Gallery Furniture with Churrasco To Go owner, Oscar Garcia, and Chef Sasha Grumman (Photo by Cesar Monroy).

Cory Crawford of Burns Original BBQ and Carl Crawford with Chef Sasha Grumman (Photo by Xavier Burke Jr.).

Trae tha Truth and Bun B with Chef Sasha Grumman (Photo by Fred Fujifred Agho).

Trae tha Truth, DJ Mr Rogers, and Relief Gang with Chef Sasha Grumman (Photo by Fred Fujifred Agho).

Is there a way our community can continue to support?

Our community can support these efforts by donating what they can, whether that's time or money. We are always looking for volunteers and new partnerships to take care of the people around us. When a crisis like this hits, we will be there. Please reach out if you would like to be part of the relief efforts.

Churrascos To Go with Representative Al Green and Chef Sasha Grumman (Photo by Fred Fujifred Agho).

Chef Sasha Grumman working at Kids' Meals Houston with a volunteer (Photo by Fred Fujifred Agho).

Anything additional you'd like to share.

When I was younger, I was watching something on TV and it was some sort of natural disaster in a foreign country. I remember my heart breaking because I wasn't able to help. Someone—it may have been my mother—said, “look for the helpers, there are always people helping.” And that's what I do now. I look for the helpers because that is where the hope is. That is where you find the drive to keep pushing through whatever the world throws at you. Do what you can and lead in a way that inspires those around you. Helping others is contagious and we can all take part. We hold great responsibility in giving where we can and giving back to the community that holds us up. Together we can overcome the greatest hardship.