In a significant post-disaster relief initiative, Scotiabank’s partnership with World Central Kitchen (WCK) has successfully provided over 6.7 million meals to communities across western Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm struck the island on October 28, 2025, creating unprecedented humanitarian challenges.
The comprehensive relief operation was fueled by Scotiabank’s CAD$100,000 (JMD$11 million) donation and supported by volunteers from the Scotia Foundation. This contribution formed part of the bank’s broader JMD$165 million commitment to Jamaica’s recovery efforts following the catastrophic hurricane.
Yanique Forbes Patrick, Head of Caribbean Corporate Affairs at Scotiabank, emphasized the strategic importance of addressing food insecurity immediately after the disaster. “Beyond merely feeding people, our collaboration with WCK aimed to restore dignity and comfort during a period of profound need,” Forbes stated. “The community spirit witnessed throughout this response has been truly inspirational.”
The partnership enabled WCK to rapidly scale operations by deploying specialized teams, collaborating with local chefs, and partnering with area restaurants. This coordinated effort ensured that meals combined nutritional value with familiar Jamaican flavors, providing both physical nourishment and emotional comfort to affected families.
On Christmas Eve, Scotia Foundation volunteers participated directly in meal distribution at Catherine Hall Primary School in St. James, where over 1,000 families received support just before the holidays. This hands-on involvement allowed bank representatives to observe the tangible impact of their contribution.
Tunde Wackman, Chief Development Officer at World Central Kitchen, expressed gratitude for Scotiabank’s support: “This partnership enabled us to reach significantly more people with hot, culturally appropriate meals when food security represented a primary concern for Jamaican families. Proper nourishment strengthens both body and spirit, facilitating community healing.”
The nearly three-month relief operation concludes shortly, having effectively bridged the critical gap in food access while communities worked to restore utilities, livelihoods, and normal routines. Scotiabank’s additional JMD$18 million support to Food For the Poor further demonstrates the institution’s comprehensive approach to disaster recovery in the region.