The situation in Venezuela has led to one of the most catastrophic refugee crises in the world. For people remaining in the country, poverty and political instability have caused food shortages resulting in widespread malnutrition. Millions have fled in recent years; some by plane but many families embark on long, often dangerous journeys by foot hoping to reach nearby countries or North America.
In 2019, WCK began supporting Venezuelans both in the country and on the long road out. In Caracas, WCK worked with local organizations to provide hot, nourishing meals to communities in need with a focus on young children. In Cúcuta, Colombia, a city on the Colombia-Venezuela border and the first stop for migrants leaving, we set up a Relief Kitchen where we served 20,000 freshly prepared meals a month. In addition to cooking hot meals, WCK provided produce for shelters along the route that refugees walk for days – or even weeks – at a time.
In Venezuela
meals served
delivery locations
local cooks
Meet Camila
Meet Camila
Camila is two years old, and she came to one of WCK’s dining rooms in Venezuela at risk of malnutrition. She is an only child, and she and her mother are among the first people to arrive at the dining room each day. Camila is learning habits like washing her hands, waiting her turn, and is even learning to eat on her own. Each day that she comes to the kitchen, her condition improves – and we’ve gotten to see her grow up.
El Valle, Caracas
El Valle, Caracas
In El Valle, Caracas, WCK’s local Relief Team distributed hundreds of kits full of staple ingredients for families to be able to cook. Each kit contained items like beans, rice, cornmeal & cooking oil and provided enough food for up to two weeks.
#ChefsForVenezuela
#ChefsForVenezuela
Supporting nutrition security in Caracas, WCK provided millions of hot meals, sandwiches, and dry goods. Partnering with seven organizations & 16 dining rooms, our Relief Team distributed fresh food & fruit to children and families. #ChefsForVenezuela
In Colombia
meals served
meals prepared monthly
local cooks in Cúcuta
Meet Rosa
Meet Rosa
Rosa is a Venezuelan mother of four kids. She is a street vendor & hopes to one day have her own home. Rosa regularly came by WCK’s site in Cúcuta to pick up food for her family.
Meet Gabby
Meet Gabby
Gabby was one of WCK’s local team members who made #ChefsForVenezuela possible! She came to Colombia wanting to help with getting aid into Venezuela. When the bridge was closed & she was stuck in Cúcuta, she found WCK and began working to help her community.
Relief Team
Relief Team
Since 2019, we partnered with Nueva Illusion & Acceso to provide nourishing meals for Venezuelan refugees. Led by Chef Davier, dishes are prepared by Nueva Illusion volunteers & Acceso donates fresh produce sourced from Colombian farmers.
