“I would like to see a path toward legalization for immigrants-we cannot generalize on the issue, most of the workers in my kitchen come from abroad.” Lorena García reflects on the shortage of staff and the delicate conditions of those who change countries to seek their fortunes in America.
The News
Lorena García, a Venezuelan entrepreneur and successful chef, is not only a well-known face of culinary television in the United States, but also an ardent advocate for immigrant rights. For more than 30 years, she has lived and worked in the United States, where she has captivated audiences with her cooking and dedication. The star of numerous television shows and owner of restaurants across the country, including the well-known Chica in Miami, García has also established herself as an activist against childhood obesity and malnutrition.
During a recent interview, García addressed sensitive issues such as immigration, gun regulation, and the importance of actively participating in elections. Politically independent, she did not reveal who her vote will go to in the upcoming presidential election, but she passionately stressed the importance of the right to vote: “It doesn't matter who you vote for, the important thing is to vote.” One of Lorena García's most cherished issues is immigration. In her restaurant, she says, most of the workers are immigrants, a reality that is particularly close to her heart. Therefore, she makes no secret of her desire to see greater openness on the part of the government toward workers of foreign origin who, like her, actively contribute to American society. “I would like to see a path toward legalization. We cannot generalize about immigration when this country was built by immigrants,” she says decisively.
In addition to this, García spoke about another issue that touches her closely: gun control. The mother of an eight-year-old boy, she expressed her fear every time she takes him to school, reflecting on how the easy access to guns in the United States endangers the lives of innocent young people. “Every time I take my son to school, I feel anguish, “ she admits. García is a firm believer in the U.S. Constitution, but she also feels the need for stricter regulation regarding the use of guns. The chef sees gastronomy as a powerful means of building bridges in an increasingly polarized society. “At the table, walls collapse, and we can have honest conversations,”, she says with conviction. For García, the shared experience of food creates a unique environment where people can connect, putting aside differences. Her vision of gastronomy as a tool for connection and dialogue reflects her philosophy of life and her hope for a more inclusive future.
Lorena García has seen with her own eyes the evolution of Latino culinary culture in the United States. “When I was younger, having an accent was an obstacle. Today it is what makes me special and allows me to represent Latino culture on television, “ she says proudly. According to her, the Latino presence has become increasingly strong in all areas, and cooking is one of the main means through which this culture is made known and appreciated. Through her organization Big Chef, Little Chef, García works with low-income public schools to teach children the importance of healthy eating. For her, food awareness has to start in childhood: “Our children are the future, and we have to teach them to eat healthy foods,”, she says. The chef is also involved in initiatives to eradicate childhood hunger in the United States and dreams of a future where all children have access to free meals, even during the summer when schools are closed.
With her charisma and determination, Lorena García continues to make her mark not only in the culinary world, but also in American society, promoting positive change through her commitment to immigration, gun regulation, and healthy eating.
