Hundreds of restaurants are struggling to stay open as New York City’s shutdown continues.

Owners say they depend on take-out orders to keep their doors open, including La Morada in the South Bronx that has been operating differently since the coronavirus pandemic started.

Like many other restaurants, La Morada shut its doors for a month after struggling financially. Fighting to keep their doors open, the family-owned restaurant turned to GoFundMe in hope the community would help and they did.

Natalia Mendes, the heart of her family and chef, got into gear turning her restaurant into a soup kitchen.

“I’ve always said a community united will always be able to keep going, and this is an example because we are standing strong and I want to thank everyone who helped,” says Mendes.

From cooking to answering emails, the family works together to serve thousands of hot meals to people in their community.

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“Right now, it’s a time for action and everything that’s been giving to us, we’re giving back to the community because we know first-hand what it is to be undocumented,” says Mendes.

Uncertain if their restaurant will survive the pandemic, the hard-working family says they are standing by their motto “community over profits.”

“Now more than ever we’re seeing the differences between rich and poor neighborhoods. Even though we reached our GoFundMe goal, we’re still in need of supplies,” says Mendes.

Mendes says she is staying optimistic that everyone will get through this.

“I’m sending people hugs and strength to keep going,” says Mendes.