The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings, and the Panamanian government issued a state of emergency. Our local partners will be serving meals to community members impacted by damaged infrastructure and decreased access to food.
Through our networks, we’ve identified communities near the epicenter where food support is needed. Working with local Chef Corps members Isaac Villaverde and Mario Castrellón, we’ve partnered with a restaurant in the province of Los Santos that will start serving meals to impacted families today. WCK will work closely with them over the coming days to strengthen and scale their efforts.
Serving Meals With Antojito los Chamos
In Panama, WCK is serving meals to families impacted by last week’s earthquake, like these comforting plates of chicken, rice, plantain, and veggies our partner Antojito los Chamos.
Every part of this operation is led by local partners and restaurants. They identify the need within their communities, cook the meals, and deliver them directly to the families in need. WCK’s role is to support, connect, and empower them to do what they already do best. Most of these restaurants were already feeding their neighbors before we arrived.
This has been made possible by the remarkable support of Chef Corps members Isaac Villaverde and Mario Castrellon and their extended networks—particularly TURIGASTRO, Panama’s first chamber for culinary tourism, a nonprofit bringing together restaurants, chefs, and producers across the country.
When communities already show up for each other, WCK helps them go further.
Community is Our Superpower
They’re chefs, cooks, and neighbors in Panama—but you might mistake them for superheroes. Today, they’re all in the same kitchen.
From Playa Venao, Chef Andrés of Restaurante ReMar gives us a look inside his kitchen, where WCK is supporting a locally led response to the recent earthquake. Alongside Chef Andrés today are Chef Vladi and Chef Chicho from Quincha, Javi from Bristol Panamá, Reynaldo from La Tapa del Coco, and community members of all ages—united by one goal: feed people in need.
Serving Families in El Cacao
Families in El Cacao, Panama are still eating and sleeping under tarps as they assess the damage the earthquake caused to their homes. Their lives have been completely disrupted, and residents are trying to figure out their next steps. Access to daily meals can help ease some of the immediate pressure, so WCK is delivering meals prepared by our local restaurant partners as communities begin to recover.
Support our efforts in Panama