Archewell's First Major Project Is a Sign of Things to Come

Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to the US earlier this year, we've seen much coverage speculating on the couple's plans for the future, how they would earn their money (never without an accusatory tone or a good dose of snide remarks), and of course how their non-profit would function. As 2020 draws to a close, a year none of us will be sorry to bid farewell to, we have answers to those questions. On the financial front, Harry and Meghan have followed a path walked masterfully by the Obamas. They've watched how effectively the power couple have managed to secure their financial future without sacrificing their integrity and values, and retained the ability to maintain the line between their professional and private lives. As content producers for Netflix and Spotify, Meghan and Harry will connect directly with a global audience on their own terms. As a couple who know all too well how it feels to be voiceless and to have the media misconstrue who you are to devastating effect, I think this will be both healing and refreshing for them. They will highlight those whose stories deserve to be told, but who simply wouldn't ever have access to a sizable platform. Their podcast series will be one of the key ways we hear stories from Archewell.

We know the vast majority of Harry and Meghan's work took place privately this year. Between the pandemic and building a new life in the US, it afforded additional opportunities to take the necessary time to meet the right people, forge relationships and research where they want their philanthropic legacy to fit in the charitable space. I've always felt it would be true to the couple and the lifelong interests they've held, and indeed it will not be very far away from the vision they initially shared for Sussex Royal as working members of the Royal family. One fact I knew with total certainty? Projects they undertake will be tangible with impact felt on the ground. Today's announcement states Archewell's first major project will see the couple join forces with World Central Kitchen to build a series of community relief centres -- permanent structures which will serve as kitchens during and after crises. Afterwards, they will be deployed as hubs, schools and clinics.

The first clue came last week when Meghan was introduced as a champion of World Central Kitchen on CNN Heroes. The non-profit is devoted to providing food in the wake of natural disasters. It was founded by chef José Andrés who also made an appearance on the show. The organisation provided food in Haiti following the shattering earthquake. Amidst COVID-19, they have provided meals all over America. WCK has distributed 50 million meals in 17 countries over the past decade.

Below a very interesting discussion with José on the work of the charity.

Bloomberg reports:

'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are backing a series of Community Relief Centers for World Central Kitchen. The structures will be permanent, built to act as quickly-activated service kitchens during emergencies like natural disasters, with the ability to transition to community centers, schools and clinics. The team sees the integrated approach as a way to promote more resilient local food systems.

“The health of our communities depends on our ability to connect to our shared humanity,” said Markle and Prince Harry in an emailed statement. “When we think about Chef Andrés and his incredible team at World Central Kitchen, we’re reminded that even during a year of unimaginable hardship, there are so many amazing people willing — and working tirelessly — to support each other. World Central Kitchen inspires us through compassion in action.”

The couple confirmed that they will work with Andrés to bring additional partners to build more Community Relief Centers around the world. They said that they don’t have immediate plans to visit the centers due to coronavirus restrictions, but plan to in the future.'

The first centre is already being built on the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. It will open in early 2021 and was chosen as it was severely hit by hurricanes Maria and Irman in recent years. The fact it is part of the Commonwealth undoubtedly also featured in their decision. The second will be in Puerto Rico, with another two locations to be announced later in the year. The couple hope to visit the centres once they're built and operating - in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions.

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"This year, I’ve seen many, many examples of neighbors supporting neighbors, of communities coming together to get through tough times. At our root, we believe in one another, in doing what's right for strangers as much as we do for our friends and family," Andrés said in a statement. "World Central Kitchen and I, we see a world that’s full of dignity, empathy, and humanity. We believe in the healing power of food, and we like to say wherever there's a fight so hungry people may eat, we will be there."

"We are more energized than ever to continue this vital work, and we're proud that it will be hand in hand with Archewell Foundation and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex," he added. "I have come to know both of them well, and believe that their values are directly aligned with what we stand for at World Central Kitchen."

Harper's Bazaar shares more background on food insecurity and the hunger crisis globally which has been exacerbated by the pandemic:

'Ending hunger and achieving universal food security is one of the biggest challenges the world faces today, with over 690 million people around the world currently undernourished, according to data shared by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Due to the effects of COVID-19, the number of malnourished children and level of food insecurity is expected to rise by more than 132 million due to pandemic-triggered recession and continued economic slowdowns.

While less covered by the mainstream media, desert locust outbreaks in a several African countries and Yemen has seen over 35 million people go hungry in the past year. In June, UN Secretary General António Guterres warned that the world is facing "a food crisis worse than any soon for at least 50 years" due to a lack of social protections for poor people who are unable to have basic nutrition within reach.'

When Meghan moved to London after the engagement, she was determined to support the Grenfell community after the lives of residents were devastated by the horrific fire. I always thought the fact she was drawn to the Hubb and chose it as her first significant project in the UK indicative of her values and the potential she saw to make a difference -- to use the profile she has to amplify other voices. This goes all the way back to her teenage years when she volunteered at a soup kitchen. Her mother Doria would buy extra turkeys for homeless shelters at Thanksgiving. Years later, while filming Suits, she ensured leftover food was donated to St Felix Centre in Toronto and volunteered privately in their kitchen. On one occasion she brought Thanksgiving meals for over a hundred people. She's always believed in the power of food to bring people and communities together. As Meghan said last week, "The warmth of a meal can feel as comforting as a much-needed hug."

Prince Harry has seen the immediate catastrophic effect disasters can have first hand. He joined the relief effort in Nepal with Team Rubicon in 2015 after a devastating earthquake. In addition to representing the Royal family and meeting survivors and locals, Harry joined other veterans as part of the effort to rebuild during Operation Nirman ('nirman' is Nepalese for build). Harry's work with the team saw him assist in the reconstruction of the school which had been destroyed by the earthquake which claimed 9,000 lives. Harry's time in Nepal was deeply impactful and obviously left a lasting impression and determination to assist following similar disasters.

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The first project is not only true to the couple's values, it's a very promising sign of things to come and an exciting 2021!

Before I go, Omid Scobie reports we'll see the Sussexes' Christmas card in the coming days :)