Food For The Poor (FFTP), a steadfast partner to the people of Jamaica for over four decades and through countless crises, once again stands shoulder to shoulder with the nation as we recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. 

Working with key partners, Food For The Poor continues to coordinate and manage critical humanitarian logistics, including inbound shipment, customs clearance, staging, and nationwide distribution of relief items to communities most affected.

“Food For The Poor is an integral part of Jamaica’s disaster response,” said Ed Raine, President and CEO of Food For The Poor. “Our mission is to deliver hope in times of crisis.”

Integrated humanitarian operations are now underway in close collaboration with local and international NGOs. Together, we have airlifted food, hygiene supplies, and clean water into isolated communities in western parishes, where major roadways remain impassable due to flooding and landslides. 

Over the past week alone, over 6,000 food packages, 1,200 cases of water and 2,000 hygiene care packages have been distributed to priority areas, supported by daily volunteer packing events at our Spanish Town warehouse.

To date, more than 1,300 pallets of aid—totalling over 2 million pounds across 72 shipments—have been delivered or staged to support families in urgent need. This includes food, hygiene kits, medical and wheelchair supplies, cleaning items, diapers, school supplies, clothing, and essential household goods.

In addition, Food For The Poor continues to collaborate with national agencies and NGOs to provide potable water to affected residents, ensuring access to this most basic necessity during recovery. “This is a national effort—one coordinated system, one unified message, one trusted conduit,” said Raine. “We have stood with Jamaica through every storm, and we will continue to do so following Hurricane Melissa.”

As the nation heals, we are appealing to individuals, organisations, and the diaspora to join us in this ongoing mission. Donations in cash and kind are urgently needed to sustain relief operations and bring comfort and stability to families who have lost so much.

Together, we have weathered every storm—and together, we will rise and rebuild.