World Central Kitchen resilient on Gaza

The World Central Kitchen (WCK) has reverted to the level before last October's ceasefire for delivering hot meals to Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians.

- Michael Jansen, Political Correspondent

The WCK said the decision to reduce output is driven entirely by financial pressure; it does not reflect any reduction in need. “We will still be delivering hundreds of thousands of hot meals every day to families in need and maintaining one of the largest food relief operations anywhere in the world.”

Following the eruption of the ongoing conflict in October 2023, WCK has “invested more than half a billion dollars feeding the people of Gaza.” Gaza Response Director Wadhah Hubaishi stated, “Every meal represents a family that can breathe a little easier. The determination and strength our teams and partners show every single day to reach that goal is extraordinary, and it reflects the spirit of WCK: showing up, together, when it matters most.” Late last year, after Israel closed the border, WCK expanded operations to one million hot meals a day.

However, no single non-governmental agency can sustain this rate, especially WCK and other independent agencies which are financed by private donations and respond to need elsewhere in the world. “The people of Gaza have lost their homes and their economy," WCK founder and head José Andrés said. “The world must step up — not just talk about the plight of the Palestinians. Governments, institutions, and international partners need to commit the sustained, secure funding that this crisis demands.” WCK is partnered by Chef Corps, a global network of over 450 prominent culinary figures.