Last March, while Executive Chef Fabrizio Facchini was about to debut Cotto, the flagship Italian restaurant at the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan, the city went into lockdown. Innovation is critical for success as a chef, and rather than panic as his livelihood stood still, Facchini had a pandemic reinvention.

He sprang into action by founding the nonprofit Italians Feed America, inspired by World Central Kitchen founder and friend José Andrés. Facchini tapped into his deep resources in the food industry, including restaurateurs and acclaimed chefs like Elizabeth Falkner, and partnered with Italian food brands and distributors.