WCK mobilizes across southern US after devastating storms

A series of storms and tornadoes swept across the eastern United States in early January, destroying homes and essential infrastructure. WCK’s Relief Team was on the ground in some of the hardest hit parts of Florida and Alabama working alongside chef and food truck partners to support impacted families.

A large weather system left widespread damage along the eastern US coast from Florida to New York. In parts of Florida and Alabama, many homes were destroyed and thousands of people left without electricity after high winds and multiple tornadoes damaged power infrastructure. The storms also left roads impassable and pelted communities with large hail.

Our teams were on the ground working alongside Chef Corps member Emeril Lagasse’s team in the region as well as Chef Corps member Kelsey Barnard Clark. Our network of local food truck partners mobilized as well to ensure meals reach people in more isolated regions. We also established public distribution sites in both states where families were able to gather and pick up free, nourishing meals.

By the numbers

14,000+

meals served

Food Truck and Restaurant Partners

Chef Corps Members

supporting their communities

#ChefsForAlabama

Chef Joey

Chef Joey of Grinnin’ Possum food truck began cooking for impacted families immediately after devastating storms hit Alabama. He picked up local shrimp & sausage to prepare gumbo. Joey also worked alongside WCK after Hurricane Idalia hit the region last August.

#ChefsForFlorida

Zap Zap

WCK food truck partner Zap Zap was serving delicious Thai food to families near Panama City Beach just hours after the storms hit the region. Communities in that part of Florida were hit hard by the severe weather.

#ChefsForFlorida

Emeril’s Coastal

The team at Chef Emeril’s Coastal in Sandestin jumped to action quickly after storms and tornadoes hit many communities across Florida. They prepared hundreds of sandwiches for people in the Panama City Beach area who were displaced or left without power.

WCK Chef Corps

The Chef Corps is a global network of prominent culinary leaders who champion World Central Kitchen’s work providing fresh meals following crises. Thanks to their generosity, adaptability, and visibility, Chef Corps members are uniquely positioned to accelerate and amplify what WCK can accomplish when we arrive first to the frontlines. Chef Corps member Kelsey Barnard Clark joined our teams in Alabama to serve meals after tornadoes destroyed homes and businesses.

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Latest from the ground

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“I hate that it takes a disaster like this to pull people together but it’s just amazing how they come together to help.” Buddy was one of the many local partners who helped WCK provide more than 14,000 meals to families devastated by storms in Florida & Alabama. #ChefsForAmerica

Twitter | 1/25/2024
Recent tornados destroyed the well water pumps in a mobile home park in Marianna, Florida & left the entire community without running water. They are not sure when the pumps will be repaired, so WCK provided plenty of clean water along with hot meals. #ChefsForFlorida

Twitter | 1/19/2024
Clyde stopped by WCK food truck partner Zap Zap to pick up dinner for himself and his 13-year-old son. He told our team that his son is normally a picky eater but was loving the WCK-provided meals. Zap Zap was serving up amazing chicken fried rice! #ChefsForFlorida

Twitter | 1/18/2024