AnQi’s distribution of pantry boxes today at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa was a big success!
Distribution started well before noon, as people arrived early to pick up the boxes of pantry essentials and fresh produce.
By 4:30, more than 450 boxes had been distributed to food and beverage employees
House of An’s executive chef Tony Nguyen created a special recipe utilizing ingredients from the box, a caramelized onion and beet tostada. Onions, corn tortillas, refried beans and beets from the basket were used in the dish.
Elizabeth An’s motivation came about when she recently received shocking news that one of her star employees was now living out of his car. “I couldn’t let that pass without making a small effort to help those in our industry who have been so impacted by COVID-19,” the CEO of House of AN stated.
Within one week, box giveaways at Crustacean Beverly Hills, AnQi at South Coast Plaza and Tiato in Santa Monica helped over 1,000 people. Recipients could create family meals with a thoughtful gift of fresh food and pantry basics.
The donations were made possible by a GoFundMe campaign initiated by the Ans. South Coast Plaza and Elizabeth Segerstrom, co-managing partner of South Coast Plaza, were among sponsors of the boxes.
Vendors who assisted with product donation to the boxes:
- Melissa’s Produce
- OC Baking Company
- Kimono Drinks
- US Foods
- Advanced Restaurant Supply
