KINGSTON, Jamaica — Popular food joint Chicken and Tings has teamed up with international non-profit World Central Kitchen (WCK) to provide thousands of hot meals to residents across Kingston and St Andrew affected by Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms in Jamaica’s history.

The initiative, which began this week, will run for six more days, focusing on communities hardest hit in the Corporate Area. According to the owner, Emelio Madden, teams are “hitting the ground running again today” to deliver meals directly to those in need.

“For the next six days, we and them [World Central Kitchen] have partnered to issue lunches throughout Kingston to those affected by Hurricane Melissa,” Madden said.

At this stage, the relief effort is concentrated in Kingston. However, Madden noted that WCK has also connected with other organisations in different parishes to ensure broader coverage.

In addition to the meal distribution, the company plans to contribute to the Government’s official relief programme at supportjamaica.gov.jm launched earlier this week to coordinate donations and recovery efforts.

“We’d like to see Jamaica back to the way it is, and we’re trying to get there with one meal at a time,” Madden said. “We’re playing our part.”

Meals from Chicken and Tings packed and ready for distribution.

(L-R) President, UWI Mona Guild of Students Roshaun Wynter, Owner of Chicken and Tings Emelio Madden and Fabian Morris, aka Fyahman.