World Central Kitchen

In 2024, WCK supported families affected by conflict, natural disasters, and the worsening impacts of the climate crisis in 20 countries, providing over 109 million meals. Everywhere we respond, we see the best of humanity show up as neighbors join us in bringing hope to families in need—one plate of food at a time. #ChefsForTheWorld

"For me, food equals happiness, celebration, friends," WCK founder José Andrés told Kelefa Sanneh of CBS Sunday Morning Watch José talk about his love for cooking, working with the team here at WCK, and finding the good in everyone: https://cbsn.ws/4j1hjgp #ChefsForTheWorld

The latest from WCK’s response in Myanmar: ➡️ Following the massive earthquake, WCK is working with local restaurants and cooks to serve thousands of hot meals to impacted communities every day. ➡️ The 7.7-magnitude earthquake created widespread devastation, with many homes severely damaged and families unable to cook. Myanmar families are resilient and stepping up to support one another. ➡️ In addition to hot meals, we’re also putting together ready-to-eat and family meal kits to help fill the gap. ➡️ Our team is on-the-ground in Myanmar working to scale up across affected areas. #ChefsForMyanmar

Chef Olivier provided meals to families impacted by the earthquakes in Türkiye, flooding in Valencia, the Covid-19 pandemic, and even the war in Ukraine. According to him, “I can’t sit still. I’m bored after two weeks at home." Now, Oli, who has been an awarded chef since he was 21 and a Michelin star winner, is on the ground in Southeast Asia, working to provide meals to communities devastated by the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake. "Using my skills for a good cause has given me the most special experiences and adventures. You see the impact you make immediately, and there is nothing that can replace that feeling for me," he said. Read more from NPO3: https://bit.ly/4cmj8C8

With changes in the climate and in our communities, the definition of “disaster” no longer fits into one neat box. Our WCK disaster response follows suit. Some disasters are lasting longer than ever, some are making sudden changes in direction, and some are compounded by having multiple disasters on top of one another. We have been working to adapt to the needs of the communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis, especially as the phases of recovery get longer or even backslide. Across our five responses in the US in 2025–wildfires in LA and North Carolina, our ongoing response to Hurricane Helene also in North Carolina, the outbreak of tornadoes across the Southeast, and flooding in Texas–our teams have adapted to changing needs and structures. #ChefsForTheWorld

Our teams in Southern California are supporting organic farmers who were impacted by the wildfires in January. This produce is a vital connection between communities and local agriculture, and our goal is to help rebuild the bridge between them. #ChefsForCalifornia 🥕🍎🥬

Today marks one year since Israeli military airstrikes in Gaza killed seven of our World Central Kitchen colleagues: Saifeddin Issam Ayad Abutaha, John Chapman, Jacob Flickinger, Zomi Frankcom, Jim Henderson, James Kirby, and Damian Soból. This anniversary is a solemn reminder of the deep and lasting grief we carry - not just today, but every day. The loss of our seven brave, selfless friends and colleagues is immeasurable. The pain cuts deep. Through our heartbreak, we stand strong in our commitment to the mission they believed in: to feed the hungry, to show up in the hardest places, and to lead with compassion. We honor their legacy by continuing to serve people in crisis around the world - and by working toward a future where humanity triumphs over division. The April 1 airstrikes were a direct attack on our clearly marked vehicles whose movements were known to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). While the IDF has acknowledged responsibility for the strike and admitted grave errors, they have not yet completed the investigation being led by the Military Advocate General (MAG). We urge the MAG to conduct a thorough investigation that is as transparent as possible. We think it is critical that those responsible are held to account and such a tragedy never happens again. We will not stop pressing for justice. “In the face of unimaginable loss, we hold fast to hope: hope for an end to hostilities, where no innocent Palestinian civilians and children are hurt, the release of all Israeli hostages, and a future where no humanitarian - whether a local volunteer, international aid worker, healthcare provider, or journalist - faces violence while serving others,” said WCK Founder José Andrés. We carry our seven heroes with us - in our hearts, in our work, and in our unwavering belief that humanity must always come first. Erin Gore WCK CEO

WCK's Mike Bean spoke with News Nation about our ongoing relief efforts in North Carolina and Tennessee, delivering food to remote communities via helicopter, and how our strategy has adapted through the winter. Watch here: https://bit.ly/3FK1dcq

🍖 After severe storms and tornadoes swept through Florissant, Missouri, Mike Johnson — WCK Chef Corps member and owner of Sugarfire Smokehouse — stepped up. Sugarfire and WCK have been providing comforting BBQ meals to communities affected in Florissant. “I’m honored to be associated with World Central Kitchen,” said Mike. “To have the opportunity to serve the community as they recover from the tornado — it’s a great feeling to be in a position to help.” Read more about Mike and the other BBQ chefs stepping up for #ChefsForThePeople here: https://bit.ly/4iKWIgd

Linda Roth, WCK's Chief Communications Officer, recently joined Patricia McLoughlin on The Anthem Awards' The Negative Space podcast to discuss what it takes to serve food in communities affected by disaster. Listen to their conversation wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eFJUfSvc