RALEIGH, N.C. – Chef Sunny Gerhart owns St Roch Fine Oysters and Bar in downtown Raleigh.

Despite the unexpected setback due to Covid-19, he got to work. 

“For someone like me who is literally surrounded by great food seven days a week, I don’t ever really think about food insecurity and how people aren’t able to feed their families under normal circumstances, not to mention the fact that the entire economy basically came to a screeching halt,” said Gerhart.

He linked up with the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle to make casseroles for families in need. He’s contributed more than 50,000 meals since April.  Three employees are tasked specifically with preparing the donated food, something Gerhart is more than willing to facilitate. 

“I’m happy to get to feed some people, I’m happy I get to employ some people, and I’m happy I get to keep the doors of the restaurant open,” he said.

Gerhart is still serving in his restaurant seven nights a week, but he plans to continue preparing meals for the shuttle as long as he can.

“It’s a lot of work, but there’s a lot of need out there,” Gerhart said.

The program is slated to continue until at least December.