Queensbridge Man Heads To His Kitchen To Help Neighbors In Need

LONG ISLAND CITY, QUEENS — In the last two weeks, Alex Saez, Jr., has cooked ribs with rice and beans, shrimp, salmon, chicken cordon bleu, pork chops, baked ziti and spaghetti and meatballs — not counting what he's made for his own family.

The meals were all for his neighbors in Queensbridge Houses who are struggling to keep food on the table during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saez, who goes by the nickname Macho, decided to get cooking after he saw a Facebook post about using one's skills and talents to help others during the pandemic.

Saez prides himself on his recipes and his cooking skills, so he knew that was how he could best make a difference. He delivers each meal himself.

To keep up to date with coronavirus developments in Long Island City and Astoria, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter.

"I was always brought up that you should never deny anybody any food, because you never know when you yourself may need a plate of food," Saez, 51, said in a phone interview.

The initiative doesn't surprise those who know Saez.

"He’s always been a giving, caring person," his friend Erik L. Cooper told Patch. "He always looks out for people in the community and outside the community."

Saez is encouraging Queensbridge residents and others who live nearby to reach out to him on Facebook if they're in need of a meal.

"A lot of people are struggling right now and they are afraid to ask for help," Saez said. "Reach out to people and let them know that you’re here to help them, no questions asked. Tell them not to be afraid."

Coronavirus In NYC: Latest Happenings And Guidance

Email PatchNYC@patch.com to reach a Patch reporter or fill out this anonymous form to share your coronavirus stories. All messages are confidential.