World Central Kitchen's Climate & Natural Disaster Fund

Natural disasters are affecting more people, more often, and with greater intensity. Nine of the ten years with the highest number of billion-dollar disasters have occurred in the past decade. Economic losses now exceed $2.3 trillion annually, considering indirect and ecosystem impacts. But disasters do more than destroy infrastructure—they destabilize communities. Families lose shelter, income, access to clean water, schools, crops, and jobs. Entire local economies can be pushed back years.

World Central Kitchen exists to meet this moment. Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, WCK is first to the frontlines, providing fresh meals to communities impacted by crisis. Applying our model of urgency, local partnership, and real-time adaptation, WCK has served more than 600 million nourishing meals worldwide.

The Climate & Natural Disaster Fund ensures we can respond immediately—wherever and whenever disaster strikes by providing flexible, ready-to-deploy resources that allow WCK to mobilize without waiting for event-specific fundraising.

It supports:
- Rapid response to climate-driven disasters and sudden natural hazards
- Immediate food relief during acute emergencies
- Continued support as communities transition from emergency response to early recovery

Because when communities are displaced, roads are flooded, power is out, and grocery stores are shuttered, the first question is simple: How will families eat today?

We are:
• Local: We engage communities, invest in local economies, prioritize local ingredients, and provide opportunities for people who have lost their jobs due to disaster. We also ensure every meal is culturally appropriate and respectful of the communities we support.
• Adaptable: We partner with local food trucks and restaurants delivering meals by any means available—truck, boat, plane, helicopter, amphibious vehicle, donkey cart—to reach people quickly and safely.

WCK relief efforts have included:
- Flooding in Texas, Brazil, Guatemala, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kentucky, and Alaska
- Hurricane Fiona impacting Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean islands
- Hurricanes Helene & Milton devastating Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee
- Hurricanes Otis, John, and Erick in Mexico
- Wildfires in Spain, Chile, New Mexico, Canada, Colorado, and California
- Winter freezes in Texas and New York
- Cyclones in Madagascar and Mayotte
- Earthquakes in the Philippines, Türkiye, Afghanistan, and Haiti
- Tornadoes in New Orleans, Louisiana and Gaylord, Mississippi

To meet the challenge of this moment, we need all hands on deck. Individuals, corporations, foundations — anyone can join this commitment alongside WCK.

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