Scotiabank is marking the successful conclusion of its partnership with World Central Kitchen (WCK), which helped deliver more than 6.7 million meals to families across over 180 communities in western Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. 

Through a CAD$100,000 (JM$11 million) donation and the support of Scotia Foundation volunteers, the partnership ensured families had access to hot, nutritious meals immediately after the storm, restoring dignity and comfort at a time of profound need. 

The contribution forms part of the JM$165 million initially earmarked by the Bank to support Jamaica’s recovery in the wake of the category 5 storm.

“Hurricane Melissa affected communities across Jamaica in unprecedented ways,” said Yanique Forbes Patrick, Head, Caribbean Corporate Affairs, Scotiabank. “From the moment the storm passed, families were faced with the immediate challenge of accessing food. Through our donation to World Central Kitchen, we aimed not just to help feed people, but to bring moments of care and dignity back into their lives. The scale of impact and the spirit of community we witnessed throughout this response is truly inspiring.”

On Christmas Eve, Scotia Foundation volunteers observed firsthand the impact of World Central Kitchen’s operations as team members stepped away from their desks to distribute meals at Catherine Hall Primary in St. James. Over a thousand families were touched by those efforts just before the holiday. 

The support from Scotiabank was a welcome addition to activities by the global NGO. World Central Kitchen deployed teams, worked with local chefs, and partnered with restaurants and volunteers to scale up meal production quickly —serving millions of meals that combined nourishment with familiar Jamaican flavours. The organisation’s work helped to bridge the gap in food access while communities restored utilities, livelihoods, and normal routines. 

“We are incredibly grateful for Scotiabank’s support,” said Tunde Wackman, Chief Development Officer, World Central Kitchen. “This contribution helped us reach far more people with hot, culturally familiar meals at a time when food security was one of the greatest daily worries for families across the island. When people have a proper meal, it strengthens both body and spirit—it helps communities to heal.”

World Central Kitchen concludes its nearly three-month post-Melissa relief operation in Jamaica this month.

Scotiabank’s donation to WCK follows their support of Food For the Poor to the tune of $18 million. The company will continue to work with trusted organisations to support the country’s recovery efforts.