World Central Kitchen, a relief organization known for providing meals in the aftermath of humanitarian crises and weather disasters, has been actively involved in serving those affected by Hurricane Helene. As of Tuesday, the organization has distributed over 64,000 meals to individuals in need.
The relief efforts include the operation of thirty-five food trucks, with a significant presence in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In Georgia and Florida alone, more than 41,000 meals and 2,600 sandwiches have been served through the deployment of thirty-two food trucks.
World Central Kitchen has also set up field kitchens in Asheville, North Carolina, and Clearwater, Florida, to further expand their reach and provide hot meals to those impacted by the storm. The organization is collaborating with 16 restaurant partners in North Carolina and Tennessee, where over 23,000 meals have been served to date.
Founder José Andrés expressed optimism about the ongoing relief efforts, emphasizing that each day brings incremental progress and a sense of improvement for the affected communities. He highlighted the extensive logistical challenges faced by the organization, including the use of helicopters to reach remote areas quickly.
Notably, World Central Kitchen has been working closely with various agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Guard, at the Asheville airport to coordinate relief operations effectively. The organization also addressed water shortages in western North Carolina by dispatching five water tankers capable of carrying 6,200 gallons each.
In a generous gesture of support, Arthur Blank, the owner of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer's Atlanta United, donated $2 million to World Central Kitchen to aid in their relief efforts.
