KINGSTON, Jamaica — Renowned Spanish-American chef and humanitarian José Andrés arrived in Jamaica on Thursday to support World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) relief operations for communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Andrés, who founded the international non-profit organisation dedicated to providing meals in the aftermath of disasters, announced his arrival in a post on X.

He shared a photo showing box lunches arranged on a table with the caption, “Distribution today in Treasure Beach from Restaurant Partner Pan a Knock, even though they didn’t have connection for days… we did 21k meals plus water and fruit… we will increase food every day.”

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton responded to the chef’s post, writing, “This is what coming together means! Thank you for your support.”

World Central Kitchen teams have been on the ground in Jamaica since Hurricane Melissa battered the island earlier on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, leaving widespread damage, flooding, and power outages.

The organisation, known for its rapid-response food relief work in global disaster zones, has been partnering with local restaurants and volunteers to prepare and distribute thousands of meals daily to affected communities across the island.