World Central Kitchen’s Commitment in Gaza and Beyond
Since October 7, 2023, WCK has delivered over 122 million meals to people in Gaza and the West Bank. Our commitment stretches beyond one season or holiday. During Ramadan 2024, WCK distributed more than four million meals, and this Ramadan, we aim to provide five million more across Gaza and the West Bank, with 50,000 additional meals each day in Lebanon.
Ongoing missile strikes have forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes, seeking security in a place where safety seems increasingly fragile.
In the midst of this turmoil, hope endures. Each WCK Ramadan Kit is complete with ingredients for Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and Iftar, the post-sunset meal. Each kit includes a special Iftar box, which has sweet foods and more perishable items that communities enjoy to break their fast.
Simultaneously, WCK is partnering with dozens of community kitchens while running field kitchens to provide as many meals as possible. One community kitchen is run in conjunction with the Children of the Deaf Foundation, where hearing-impaired chefs serve hundreds of hot meals each day. The team has established three field kitchens: Zomi’s Kitchen in Rafah, Deir al-Balah Kitchen, and Damian’s Kitchen in Al-Mawasi. Two of the kitchens were named in honor of beloved team members who were killed by the IDF on April 1. These facilities stand as a testament to resilience and compassion. Every day, hundreds of Palestinians cook nourishing meals and bake fresh bread at these locations, feeding families who have lost everything. Our teams in Gaza have also distributed pots and basic ingredients for families to cook with, as many lost their kitchen tools when they fled. These pots help bring families and communities together to cook their own favorite dishes.
As of February, our two community kitchens in North Gaza began cooking as well. We are currently delivering 25,660 hot meals daily in the region, with 38 partner recipients including schools, hospitals, and refugee camps.
In the West Bank, WCK partners distributed over 5,300 hot meals, reaching Jenin and Tulkarem. Our goal is to increase by 1,700 additional meals this month.
By working closely with local partners, establishing mobile and brick-and-mortar kitchens, and never losing sight of the people we serve, WCK demonstrates time and again that food is a universal human right. Our teams in Gaza and beyond exemplify the power of compassion, showing that even in the darkest moments, empathy can light the path forward.
Support our efforts for Ramadan.
