World Central Kitchen (WCK) will remain in Jamaica until January 2026, ensuring that communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa continue to receive hot, nutritious meals through the Christmas season.
The update was provided by WCK Liaison Denise Cagley-Jefferson during a briefing at the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston on Thursday, December 11.
“We will, in fact, provide hot meals into January and reassess a departure date in January,” Cagley-Jefferson said, noting that both residents and government officials requested that the organization remain on the island during the holiday period.
WCK reported that it has already delivered more than one million meals to hurricane-affected residents — the equivalent of approximately 40,000 hot meals per day — along with sandwiches, fruits, and water.
The organization currently operates more than 180 distribution sites spanning Montego Bay to St. Elizabeth. Its operations rely on a network of local drivers and chefs who prepare and deliver culturally relevant meals using Jamaican ingredients.
Beyond providing food, WCK officials say the organization’s approach offers a model for disaster response that prioritizes local culture and economic participation. By employing local workers, sourcing ingredients locally, and partnering with Jamaican authorities, the relief effort has functioned as a form of communal recovery rather than traditional aid.
Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has commended World Central Kitchen for its “extraordinary support after Hurricane Melissa.”
He said the organization’s work has helped sustain reliable access to food and water while strengthening the local economy through the employment of Jamaican workers. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude for WCK’s compassion, efficiency, and continued commitment as the country moves forward with recovery efforts.
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