Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), through its KFC and Pizza Hut brands, joined their beverage partner Pepsi Jamaica in the communities of Duansvale and Sherwood Content last Friday (December 5).

In continuing their ongoing Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, the companies sought to further assist families affected by the recent storm. The visit formed part of a continued partnership effort to reach
communities across the island that have been working to recover from the disaster.

While the western parishes of St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland were hardest hit, communities in Trelawny continue to feel the lingering impact of the hurricane, with many residents still without electricity.

Extending support into additional parishes has been a vital component of the partnership, ensuring that families beyond the main impact zones remain included in the national recovery. The presence of KFC, Pizza Hut and Pepsi added to the work already taking place in the parish and helped create a more rounded experience for residents navigating the challenges left behind.

Before heading out, the team collected the prepared meals from the respective KFC and Pizza Hut restaurants where orders were prepared and packed by restaurant teams, ahead of the visits. The day included two stops, beginning in Duansvale before continuing to Sherwood Content, where residents
gathered early and moved steadily through the lines.

Over 1,000 KFC and Pizza Hut meals were distributed during the activation, along with more than 1,000 cases of water and Pepsi supplied by Pepsi Jamaica. Charging stations were also set up for residents who needed to power their devices.

At each location, teams from the three brands coordinated how the distribution would take shape to keep the process orderly and smooth. Throughout the day, they formed a food chain line that helped meals and supplies move quickly from hand to hand.

The activity also showed how well the teams continue to work together and how meaningful the partnership has been in reaching different communities.

“We have been supporting communities across the island since the passing of Hurricane Melissa, and partnering with Pepsi Jamaica allows us to continue strengthening that reach. Every community plays an important role in the nation’s recovery, and our teams remain committed to sharing support wherever it is needed.” Kandine West, marketing officer at KFC Jamaica, shared this while speaking on the importance of continued partnership.

Levene Sheriff, Pizza Hut Jamaica marketing officer shared a similar view, noting that steady support remains important as recovery continues across the island.

“This visit reflects how meaningful relief work can become when brands come together with a shared purpose. Our teams have been preparing and providing meals to several affected areas, and joining Pepsi in Trelawny helped us continue that work in a way that felt supportive and impactful. Seeing families come out and engage with us reinforces why these partnerships matter.”

ROJ and Pepsi Jamaica have been long-standing partners, supporting each other throughout the wider relief response. Pepsi’s involvement began early in the season with its contribution to ROJ’s care package distribution which reached several communities in the west, including many of ROJ’s own staff members who were also negatively affected.

As recovery continues, the ROJ and Pepsi partnership remains focused on ensuring that families across Jamaica receive sustained care, comfort, and support.

To date, ROJ has donated more than 68,000 meals, along with more than J$20 million in cash, to hurricane relief efforts across the country.