When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28, its devastation extended beyond physical damage to homes and infrastructure, leaving thousands of families grappling with food insecurity. In response, World Central Kitchen (WCK), a global non-profit founded by Spanish-American chef José Andrés, swiftly scaled up its relief efforts to provide hot meals to those most affected by the disaster. Known for its rapid response to crises worldwide, WCK collaborates with local chefs, farmers, and communities to deliver comfort through familiar flavors during times of need.
Chef Oli, WCK’s Emergency Response Director, arrived in Jamaica with extensive experience from disaster zones across the globe. “We began preparations before the hurricane made landfall,” he explained. “We coordinated with restaurant partners from previous relief efforts, ensured they had adequate supplies, and started cooking for families who had evacuated inland. As soon as conditions allowed, we resumed operations.”
The relief efforts were bolstered by local and international support. The Westmoreland Police Division assisted in offloading over 2,500 hot meals from a relief helicopter, while Jamaican Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton personally thanked WCK volunteers for their dedication. Even retired sprint legend Usain Bolt visited the WCK operations hub to express his gratitude to the team.
WCK’s operations in Jamaica are a testament to its mission of providing immediate food relief in the aftermath of disasters. With the help of local volunteers like Micheala Atkinson, who proudly displayed a “Free WCK Meals” sign, the organization ensures that affected communities receive daily hot meals. Chef José Andrés himself visited the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital to coordinate ongoing relief efforts, underscoring WCK’s commitment to supporting Jamaica during this challenging time.