New York founder turned 1,000 cancelled meals into a food initiative that has donated 4 million (Image Credit: Syracuse University)
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations in New York City in 2020, The Migrant Kitchen, a newly launched catering company, was left with 1,000 prepared meals after an order was cancelled. The story was highlighted in a February 24, 2026, profile published by Syracuse University Today and subsequently featured by the university’s Shaw Center on March 2, 2026. The university reported that the immigrant-led food enterprise had donated 4 million meals while building opportunities for a workforce made up largely of immigrants. Tanney recalled that the business went from serving 1,000 meals to receiving continuous calls for help. In 2020, the two established JD Enterprises, a social impact food company. Through its nonprofit arm, The Migrant Kitchen Initiative, the enterprise has donated 4 million meals to people in need, according to Syracuse University.
Because of the pandemic, to respond, she and The Migrant Kitchen’s founder, Daniel Dorado, reached out to restaurant industry contacts, many of whom had lost work. A cancelled catering order became the starting point for a food business with a much larger purpose. Instead of letting the food go to waste, the team decided to donate it to hospital workers treating patients during the health crisis. What began as an unexpected response to a difficult situation eventually developed into a wider effort to address food insecurity while creating employment opportunities. The initiative also reflects Tanney’s belief that food can provide more than nourishment, offering dignity, support and a sense of community to people facing difficult circumstances. They invited them to join the effort and prepare food for people who needed it. The growing demand encouraged Tanney and Dorado to turn the emergency response into a structured operation. They brought together restaurants, government agencies and community organisations to prepare and distribute thousands of meals every day. This approach allowed the initiative to expand beyond its original catering business and develop into a social enterprise focused on addressing food insecurity. Tanney now serves as president of JD Meals, which operates as part of the organisation.