Kanye West donates to local charities providing meals to those in need

Kanye West has supported two local charities to help provide meals to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 42-year-old rapper has generously supported two organisations in both his hometown of Chicago and Los Angeles, where he currently lives, to aid people who are struggling during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Josephine Wade - who runs We Women Empowered in Chicago - told Access Hollywood: "Today when I got that call, that Kanye West wanted to help the elderly in Chicago and he chose his hometown in the South Side, his old neighbourhood, I was beyond words.

"And in one phone call, in an instance today, our world was changed."

The organisation provides a meal delivery service to the elderly in the area of Chicago where Kanye grew up.

The 'Jesus Walks' hitmaker also reportedly donated to The Dream Center Los Angeles, in a bid to help the charity's "drive-thru" meal service for those affected by the current crisis.

It's said the organisation is currently feeding 7 000 people a day, but it anticipates this to rise by another 2 000.

Kanye's wife Kim Kardashian West has sent a stern message to her fans - particularly those who are "young and healthy" - on Instagram, asking them to "care about the health and safety" of others by making sure they stay at home and practice social distancing in order to try and stop the spread of the respiratory illness.

Writing in an Instagram Story, Kim explained: "Please everyone, especially people who are young and healthy, pls take the directive to stay home seriously if you care about the health and safety of your mom, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, children and community.

"Unless you are leaving your home to go to work, restock on necessary food and essentials, to see your doctor or to help someone in need such as an elderly neighbor, please do not ignore the severity of the warnings to stay inside to stop the spread of this virus. (sic)"