Malta’s Victory Kitchen, set up in March of this year, just as the coronavirus pandemic hit the island, has helped 6,621 families, by donating over 19,576 meals, in just a few months.

Established with the aim of delivering food to those hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis – and spearheaded by Rafel Sammut, one of the culinary minds behind the Pulled Meat Company and Briju Restaurant - the food charity organisation has brought together chefs from diverse backgrounds to give a helping hand in challenging times, operating through local restaurants, social workers and logistics firms.

“Just one week after shutting our doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my chefs and I were already feeling restless and bored at home,” said Mr Sammut, in a press statement. “That evening during my daily conversation with a close friend who works at the hospital, we exchanged ideas and one of them stuck – Victory Kitchen. The next day, I proposed this concept to my brother and fellow chefs, their feedback was encouraging and so off we went with the aim of feeding one family a day.”

In the first four days, the entity fed 16 families and, by the third week of operations, this had already risen to 74 families. Participating chefs include Jonathan Brincat from the Michelin-starred Noni’s in Valletta; JP Debono from Danny’s in Mriehel; and Stefan Baluci from Saracino’s in Attard, amongst others.

“There are thousands of families that are still in need. Victory Kitchen translates humble food into hope, faith, and courage for those who might otherwise remain hungry. We intend to continue our services on a permanent bases and hopefully reach out to even more people over the coming months”, the chef asserted.

Yet, help for the organisation to continue delivering is needed, Mr Sammut said, outlining plans for a fundraising event which will be held in September. 

“We need all the help we can get to reach our goal, and this is why we are hosting a fundraising event,” he said. “This involves a swim starting from Ċirkewwa, going around Comino, up to Gozo and going back to Ċirkewwa, covering a total of 15.1km. The exact date and starting location will be confirmed later on, depending on weather conditions.”

Those wishing to help, can participate by donating €100. Contact Victory Kitchen through Facebook or by calling on 99906056. Funds will be used to feed families in need.