WCK scales response to Cyclone Chido
Less than two weeks after serving our first plates of food following Cyclone Chido, World Central Kitchen’s team in Mayotte has provided more than 43,000 meals to families in need. The storm caused widespread displacement, with thousands of people seeking shelter in at-capacity facilities. In response, our team is working tirelessly to scale up operations and meet urgent food needs.
We are partnering with more than a dozen restaurants across Mayotte, where cooks prepare warm, comforting meals for people without access to food. For many, WCK-provided meals are the first they’ve had in days. Our team is focused on sourcing the ingredients and supplies necessary to help our restaurant partners increase production and continue delivering meals to people who need them most.
In addition to hot meals, WCK is providing food kits to families who are able to cook for themselves. These kits, which are assembled with locally sourced ingredients, can support a family of five for several days. Each kit includes fruit, milk, flour, and cooking essentials like charcoal. We are also distributing ingredients to community kitchens, helping sustain existing meal preparation efforts.
We are seeing gaps in response efforts, particularly in remote areas. During a recent visit to a shelter, WCK found a group of children who had gone two weeks without receiving any aid. This underscores how critical it is that no area is left behind. Our Distribution Team is working closely with impacted communities so both kits and meals reach the most vulnerable families.
Looking ahead, WCK is preparing for the next phase of operations. We will expand meal production, finalize food kit distributions, and complete the construction of our Field Kitchen. As we continue to scale our response, we remain committed to providing not only food but also hope to the people of Mayotte. A plate of food is more than just nourishment—it is a lifeline, showing the people of Mayotte that they are not alone.
