Replacing cookbooks lost in the L.A. fires is a meaningful act for this local shop. You can help

Los Angeles Times - May 2nd, 2025

In a heartwarming initiative, Now Serving, a cookbook store in Los Angeles, is offering solace to those affected by the wildfires that ravaged over 18,000 homes in January by launching Friends of the Shop. This initiative allows individuals to purchase specific cookbooks requested by survivors who lost their collections. Michelle Mungcal, co-owner of Now Serving, emphasizes the emotional significance of cookbooks in rebuilding a sense of home and normalcy. The store collaborates with authors, chefs, and food writers to host events and giveaways for kitchen essentials as part of their broader community support efforts.

The Friends of the Shop initiative draws inspiration from fellow local business Hedley & Bennett's pandemic response, blending community aid with business sustainability. With a questionnaire inviting affected individuals to list desired cookbooks, Now Serving aims to rebuild personal collections through community purchases and publisher donations. Fundraising efforts for rare editions include merchandise sales and raffles featuring contributions from celebrated authors. As the road to recovery extends, Now Serving plans future donation drives and events to continue supporting L.A.'s culinary community, fostering resilience amid loss.

Los Angeles Wildfires Fundraising Now Serving Cookbooks Community Initiative Michelle Mungcal Ken Concepcion Friends Of The Shop Hedley & Bennett Culinary Community

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights the community's resilience and recovery efforts following the January wildfires in Los Angeles. It presents a compelling narrative about Now Serving's initiative to restore a sense of normalcy for survivors through cookbooks. While the article is generally accurate and timely, it would benefit from additional verification of certain claims, such as the number of structures destroyed and the specific contributions of chefs and authors. The story is well-written and engaging, with a clear structure and empathetic tone. However, it could include more diverse sources and perspectives to enhance balance and transparency. Overall, the article addresses a topic of significant public interest and has the potential to inspire community involvement in disaster recovery efforts.

Accuracy

The article presents a generally accurate account of the wildfires' impact and the community response through Now Serving's initiative. However, the claim that more than 18,000 homes and structures were destroyed requires verification, as other sources report varying figures, such as 12,300 and 16,251 structures. The timeline of the fires in January is corroborated by multiple sources. The description of Now Serving's initiative aligns with the shop's known activities, but specific details about the program's mechanics and participation by chefs and authors need direct confirmation from Now Serving or the individuals mentioned.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the community's efforts to help wildfire survivors, highlighting both the emotional and material aspects of recovery. It includes perspectives from business owners and community members affected by the fires. However, it could benefit from additional viewpoints, such as those of the survivors themselves or local authorities involved in recovery efforts, to provide a more comprehensive picture.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and easy to follow, with a clear narrative about the community's recovery efforts and the role of Now Serving. The language is straightforward, and the tone is empathetic, effectively conveying the emotional impact of the fires. However, more detailed explanations of the initiative's logistics could improve comprehension.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on quotes from Michelle Mungcal, a co-owner of Now Serving, which provides a firsthand account of the initiative. However, it lacks diversity in sources, as it does not include input from independent experts, local officials, or other community members. This limits the breadth of perspectives and may affect the perceived objectivity of the reporting.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the motivations behind Now Serving's initiative, explaining the personal impact of the fires on the shop owners. However, it does not disclose the methodology for verifying claims about the number of structures destroyed or the specific contributions of the chefs and authors mentioned. Greater clarity in these areas would enhance transparency.