“Food Is Life” campaign will bring free snacks, local chefs, and community engagement to fans across four major U.S. host cities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the first time, World Central Kitchen (WCK) will launch a series of fan activities, bringing our mission beyond disaster response and into one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.

Through our new Food Is Life campaign, WCK will host community-centered events across four major U.S. host cities, inviting fans from around the world to come together around two universal languages: food and soccer. Known globally for providing fresh and nutritious meals to communities impacted by conflict, climate disasters, and humanitarian crises, WCK is using this moment to highlight a simple but powerful idea: access to food is a human right.

Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, says: 

“I believe that food has the power to change the world: to bring us together around longer tables, when some people are trying to keep us apart with higher walls. As a passionate soccer fan, I know that sport can do the same. It takes a team on the field and a team of supporters to win the day. That’s true on the field, and it’s true when we’re cooking for people when they need it most. This summer, we all have our different teams. But we’re all on the same team when it comes to feeding people.”

The campaign’s first event will take place on June 12, 2026 (between 3pm-6pm PDT), along Ocean Ave right by the Santa Monica Pier watch party in Los Angeles in partnership with Border Grill, a longtime WCK partner founded by award-winning chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. Over the years, WCK and Border Grill have worked together to provide meals for frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, voters and poll workers through Chefs for the Polls, and communities displaced by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. The collaboration reflects WCK’s commitment to working alongside trusted local partners to strengthen communities through food.

Chef Corps Mary Sue, with Border Grill, says:

“Susan and I have been proud WCK Chef Corps leaders for years, and  celebrating the World Cup reminds us that food is one of the most powerful ways to bring people together.  From feeding frontline workers during COVID to our Border Grill truck supporting World Central Kitchen’s response to the LA fires, we’ve seen firsthand what a warm meal made with love can do for a community in need. As an avid soccer player and fan, I love how the game transcends language, culture and borders.  I’m excited to join WCK in welcoming fans from around the world and showcasing what Los Angeles hospitality is all about.”

On select match days, fans will be able to visit WCK food trucks near stadium areas and organized watch parties, join Team WCK, and enjoy complimentary snacks prepared in partnership with local restaurants and chefs—reflecting the same community-driven model WCK uses in our emergency responses around the world. Fans will also be encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the campaign hashtag #FoodIsLife, helping amplify awareness around food insecurity and WCK’s mission.

By joining Team WCK during the tournament, fans will become part of a growing community committed to supporting food relief efforts and helping ensure that, wherever crisis strikes, a hot meal is never far behind.

For more information or media enquiries, please contact:  
Roberta Alves, Director of Media Relations at ralves@worldcentralkitchen.org or +1 202.400.7483
Our full media team is reachable at press@wck.org