CALI, Colombia — One month after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has served more than one million meals to communities affected by the disaster.

Over the past weeks, WCK has worked alongside a network of Colombian restaurants, community kitchens, food trucks, small businesses, and street food vendors to reach people across five departments. Rather than a single area of widespread destruction, the earthquake has left pockets of need spread across cities and rural communities, requiring teams to assess needs locally and adapt deliveries accordingly.

WCK is serving thousands of meals each day through numerous distribution points, adjusting quantities based on the needs of each community. In Colombia’s Coffee Region, local food partners are also bringing familiar foods—and Colombian coffee—to people navigating the aftermath of the earthquake.

Juan Camilo Jimenez, WCK Response Director in Colombia, says:

“Reaching one million meals is a reflection of the incredible effort of Colombian communities and food partners who have come together to support their neighbors. From the beginning, this response has been about being present, listening to communities, and adapting to what they need. We are grateful to the cooks, restaurants, community organizations, and local teams who continue to make this work possible.”

As communities move from emergency response toward recovery, WCK is adapting our support. The team is distributing family food kits to rural communities where families are able to return to cooking for themselves, while strengthening community kitchens that can keep preparing meals locally.

WCK is also creating moments of comfort for children and families through ice cream, treats, and community activities alongside the meals being served each day.

As needs change, WCK will work with Colombian food partners and community organizations, adapting our support and helping communities transition from emergency response toward recovery.

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