Robert De Niro, whose TriBeCa restaurant ventures were closed after the attacks, helped organize a food drive to feed the rescue workers, and worked with Spirit Cruises yacht Spirit of New Jersey to deliver food to ground zero.

Another Spirit vessel, Spirit of New York, was docked near "ground zero" and was used as a dining room for the rescue workers. At the height of the rescue operation, over 25,000 meals a day were being served.

Manning the kitchen were leading New York City chefs including TriBeCa Grill chef Don Pintabona, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Daniel Boulud, Charlie Palmer, and Gray Kunz.