CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Chef Roberto Mendoza was born in El Salvador. After coming to the U.S., he excelled as a chef. He worked at the Beverly Hills Hotel and cooked for the Oscars.

He was owner of The Chef, a healthy food store in Concord which closed back in June during the pandemic.

Back in 2009, Mendoza prepared meals for the homeless community in Charlotte.

He said he grew up without his father and mother and spent many nights as a child going to bed without eating a single thing that day.

He didn't want anyone to suffer like he did.

Back in May, he began cooking meals for families affected by the coronavirus. He cooks 1,000 meals a day.

Community churches and volunteers donate the money for groceries. Then area churches pick up the meals and distribute them to families.

"I know what it is to feel hungry, we are helping Hispanic families who are sick, who lost their restaurant jobs because of coronavirus, that is why I do this," he says.

If you would like to help Mendoza's mission click here.