Asian Families in Suburb
Supporting 4,000 Asian Suburban Families: Tsao Food's Pandemic Response
Launched in May 2020 in response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic to the food industry, RiceVan has served 4,000 families by delivering 300 tons of groceries and 200,000 prepared Asian and Halal dishes over its 2 and a half years of operation. In addition to this, we played a pivotal role in supporting over 30 immigrant-owned businesses, aiding them in sustaining operations during this challenging period.
RiceVan's inception aligned with the closure of dine-in services, impacting restaurants and grocers in Chinatown, including our own EMei, and leaving suburban Asian communities in cultural food deserts without access to traditional comfort food.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, our founder, Dan Tsao, committed to supporting not only EMei but also numerous cherished restaurants in Chinatown—establishments that had been his clients and friends for many years. Mobilizing a network of over 30 restaurants and grocers, we established a 50-mile radius delivery zone spanning Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. This initiative, born out of a commitment to community and resilience, reflects Tsao Food's determination to bridge gaps and provide essential services during times of crisis. RiceVan has served 4,000 families by delivering 300 tons of groceries and 200,000 prepared Asian and Halal dishes over its 2 and a half years of operation.