Community Drives WCK Efforts in Spain
WCK has provided more than 2 million meals and 165 tons of ingredients to families impacted by catastrophic flooding in Spain’s Valencia region, less than four weeks after the disaster struck. Since serving our first meals on October 31, we’ve reached communities in need by establishing three kitchens, partnering with local chefs, and launching a free grocery program.
Spain’s eastern coast is still recovering from the worst flooding to hit the region in decades, which destroyed entire urban centers and left many communities without access to food or water. WCK is scaling up efforts to meet the widespread need, including the opening of a third kitchen last week, capable of preparing up to 60,000 meals daily.
WCK-provided meals have become a source of comfort for communities impacted by the flooding, offering familiar dishes like potatoes with chorizo and stewed beans that provide a taste of home. Drawing from Valencia’s rich culinary traditions, WCK is using food to create moments of joy during a difficult time.
No dish symbolizes the region more than paella, a representation of community and tradition. Michelin-starred chef Luis Valls and his partner Almudena are among the many cooks helping WCK spread hope through this iconic dish. To celebrate recovery milestones, WCK has also hosted special paella parties, honoring the resilience and spirit of the people of Valencia.
Left: Chef Luis & Almudena | Right: WCK paella distribution site
People across the Valencia region have rallied to help neighbors in need, cleaning streets and delivering meals. On weekends, volunteers staff WCK’s distribution sites to keep meals flowing. Among them is José, an 89-year-old from Aldaia, who joined WCK to hand out meals after helping his community from the start.
I am old but I still have energy to help others.
José Garrigues
Aldaia resident
This week, WCK shared churros as a sweet treat to thank the community. The smiles and gratitude of people who stopped to enjoy them showed that, even amid destruction, comforting food offers a chance for neighbors to connect.
WCK is addressing Valencia’s immediate needs through innovative programs. Our free produce initiative provides fresh vegetables, fruits, and proteins to families able to cook for themselves. We are providing boxes with 35 pounds of fresh food—enough to last a family of four for a week. Hundreds of these boxes are being distributed across the region. Additionally, by paying local businesses to supply this food, WCK supports economic recovery while ensuring access to nourishing ingredients. Our teams have distributed 140 tons of food through these programs.
To further support recovery, WCK is employing locals who lost their jobs due to the floods, increasing our team to scale our efforts and providing economic relief.
In addition, WCK has supplied tools like water pumps to aid in the cleanup effort, including a pump used to clear a parking lot for search operations.
As Valencia transitions from emergency response to recovery, WCK remains a lifeline for thousands of people who embody our values of empathy, cooperation, and resilience. Their efforts underscore a powerful message: community is the ultimate superpower in times of crisis.
