World Central Kitchen serves 1 million meals in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa

World Central Kitchen (WCK) has marked a major milestone in Jamaica, providing more than 1 million meals to families affected by Hurricane Melissa, according to founder and chef José Andrés.

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“People of Jamaica! Today we crossed the 1 million meals mark… thanks to all of you and the hundreds of Jamaican volunteers, restaurants, and chefs!” Andrés tweeted on November 15. “By car, by food, by helicopter, by boat… we’ve been always trying to reach every community! Every day! Nonstop!”

.@WCKitchen People of Jamaica! Today we crossed the 1 million meals mark….thanks to all Of you and the hundreds of Jamaican volunteers, and restaurants and chefs! By car, by food, by helicopter, by boat…we’ve been always trying to reach every comunity! Every day! Non stop!… pic.twitter.com/2gTiB5rqkt

— Chef José Andrés 🕊️🥘🍳 (@chefjoseandres) November 15, 2025

The relief effort focuses on western Jamaica, the region hardest hit by the Category 5 storm. Melissa brought destructive winds, torrential rain, and widespread flooding, leaving towns isolated and cutting power to large areas.

To respond, WCK established two large field kitchens in Montego Bay and Negril. With support from the Sandals Foundation, the Montego Bay Convention Center was converted into a fully operational kitchen capable of producing tens of thousands of meals daily. The organization now delivers nearly 20,000 hot meals each day across Hanover, St. James, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, and Trelawny parishes, with help from more than 30 local restaurants.

In remote hillside communities, volunteers deliver meals by land and air. In Bluefields, Belmont, and Mearnsville, families sheltering in damaged schools are receiving daily meals. In Savanna-la-Mar, deliveries by helicopter provided hot food, water, and essentials to communities cut off by storm damage.

WCK also makes door-to-door deliveries for residents unable to reach distribution points. For example, Maurice, an 80-year-old resident of Brighton, Westmoreland Parish, lost the roof of his home during the storm and relies on daily deliveries from WCK volunteers.

Local chefs and volunteers are also helping prepare traditional dishes such as patties, stewed chicken, and fresh-caught fish, ensuring that meals are not only plentiful but familiar to the communities being served.

“Every day, we’re working to support families in need,” Andrés said. “Water, solar lights, even evacuation — we are here with you and for you! Respect!”