The city of Buffalo is trying to return to normal life after the mass shooting last week at the Tops supermarket, which killed 10 black people.
There to help the city heal, chef Daryan Brian. He opened a restaurant in the area, and the funds went to help the families of the victims.
“These people are hurt, so I believe that food is love, and food is what unites people, and I’m so grateful to be able to put a smile on these people’s faces,” he told CBS News.
Brian is originally from Jamaica, but is a staple for Buffalo. He held several Jamaican pop-ups and prepared for the Buffalo Bills. He also owns a catering company called The Plating Society.
On wednesday several Buffalo Bills players served thousands of dishes, some prepared by Brian, at the scene of the shooting. For many, this supermarket is the only one they can easily access.
“This community is like a place where you can find the blackest people in Buffalo. That’s where they all are, and for them one grocery store,” Brian said. “Here they all go, and when they are closed, there are no products for them, no healthy options.”
Saturday’s attack hit close to home for Brian. He often shopped at the store before taking the children to the nearest kindergarten, and nearly brought his family there on the day of the shooting.
“I knew almost everyone who worked there,” he said.
He hopes to find a more permanent solution to feed people in society. Meanwhile, he wants to help society heal in such a dark time.
“It amazes me that there is only one grocery store across the East Side, so these people have to drive miles to get food because Tops is closed. A hat doesn’t make sense to me, ”Brian said. “Something needs to be done for these people.”
During Friday’s event, Brian raised $ 20,000 for the victims and their families. He plans to continue handing out free food next week.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/darian-bryan-buffalo-shooting/
