We know the situation in Gaza has left our World Central Kitchen community with a lot of questions. We want to try to give you all the insight we can from our on-the-ground operations. These answers reflect the most accurate information available about our work in Gaza as of April 27, 2026. To date, our teams have served more than 345 million meals to families in need. The situation on the ground changes rapidly—access, needs, and operations can shift day to day. We are committed to sharing clear, up-to-date details about our response. You can always find more about our operating status and recent work here.

Is World Central Kitchen still getting food into Gaza?

WCK is serving hundreds of thousands of meals in Gaza daily, but rising costs driven by broader regional conflict are forcing us to reduce the scale of our operations substantially. The war in Iran has pushed up food prices significantly—rice has risen by 30 percent, while chicken and meat costs have spiked between 10 and 20 percent. 

We will keep cooking and feeding in Gaza, focusing on reaching the most vulnerable families.

What does WCK need to sustain its operations in Gaza?

The international community needs to step up to fund humanitarian aid across Gaza. Aid organizations cannot bear this burden alone, funded overwhelmingly by small private donations. Our model is cost-effective and stress-tested at a large scale—but it is not sustainable for a single nonprofit alone to keep feeding at this scale, day in and day out, without broader support.

What is the current level of need in Gaza?

The level of need in Gaza remains acute. Two million people rely on international aid to feed their families and survive from day to day. The vast majority live in tents or makeshift shelters, with no reliable supplies of essentials and very few sources of income.

What has WCK accomplished in Gaza?

Since October 2023, WCK has served more than 345 million meals in Gaza, reaching as many as one million hot meals every day, the equivalent of feeding half the population. WCK has employed many people in Gaza, investing more than $500 million supporting our own teams and suppliers, their families, and the local economy.

How does WCK’s model work in Gaza?

WCK operates through a proven model of Gazans feeding Gazans. We’ve built community and local leadership that has earned the confidence of all sides under some of the most challenging conditions on the planet. Our network includes more than 60 community kitchens, large Field Kitchens, mobile bakeries, and restaurant and bakery partners. Every dollar spent inside Gaza multiplies as it circulates in the local economy.

How has the ceasefire affected WCK’s work in Gaza?

The ceasefire allowed WCK to deliver aid more consistently and with fewer interruptions than in previous months, and enabled expansion of our kitchen network—including into parts of northern Gaza previously too dangerous to access. However, progress toward peace does not eliminate hunger. The people of Gaza cannot wholly fend for themselves. They need the help of the international community, and they need it now.

What are the biggest challenges your teams face?

Beyond the ongoing security environment, regional conflict  has created significant new financial pressures. Higher fertilizer prices, increased transport costs, and rising food prices are all being felt on the ground in Gaza. Fuel supply interruptions remain a serious risk to the preparation and distribution of hot meals and bread. Additionally, many humanitarian organizations are not permitted to operate in Gaza due to registration requirements, reducing the number of actors able to respond and increasing the pressure on those who remain.