UPDATE: Due to equipment issues, the free meals will now be handed out at Saltwater Restaurant at 565 Fifth Avenue.

San Diego Dining Group, which operates a number of restaurants in the Gaslamp/Downtown area including Osetra Seafood & Steaks, Greystone Prime Seafood & Steakhouse, Osteria Panevino, Butcher’s Cut Steakhouse, and the newly-opened Saltwater, is turning one of its restaurants into a community kitchen that aims to feed local first responders who are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, from doctors, nurses, and health care specialists to members of the police department and staff at medical research companies.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting today and running through Sunday and potentially longer, eligible parties with valid ID can pick up free meals at Osetra Seafood & Steaks on Fifth Avenue. For those picking up food for a whole unit, please call ahead so that the restaurant can pack up a large tray.

Other efforts to feed vulnerable populations in San Diego are underway; Feeding San Diego’s coronavirus response page includes a list of emergency food distribution sites around the county. The organization is also accepting food donations from hotels, restaurants, and cancelled events. And the nonprofit Serving Seniors has shifted its focus to delivery meal service, offering free meal deliveries to any person over the age of 60 regardless of income. Sign up by calling (619) 235-6572 and selecting option one, or reaching out via email at meals@servingseniors.org.