A local chef who lost his job due to the pandemic was honored in Bridgeport Sunday for turning a personal misfortune into a public relief effort.

State and local leaders recognized 22-year-old Alex Rocco, of Greenwich, for establishing C.T. Central Kitchen.

The nonprofit food service feeds people in Bridgeport once a week. It has been doing so for the past two months.

Rocco says it's gratifying to serve the people most directly impacted by the crisis.

"Us giving back, just seeing the smiles on the kids faces that walk up to the window with their family, just grab a plate of food, like, nothing makes them happier and nothing connects more with like with anyone than giving them hot food and being able to talk about it with them," says Rocco.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal encourages the public to support the nonprofit relief effort.

"CT Central Kitchen, Alex and his family, they're heroes during this time, feeding people, making life better, we can all follow that model," he says. 

PHOTOS: Your Hometown Heroes Photos