Hurricane Ida hit the U.S. Gulf Coast as a powerful Category 4 hurricane. With sustained winds of up to 150 MPH, the storm left more than 1 million people without power - most of New Orleans is currently in the dark. World Central Kitchen (WCK) arrived before Hurricane Ida made landfall and is serving fresh, nourishing meals to affected communities and first responders. With no power and extreme heat, we anticipate a large-scale activation to provide the food relief that is so needed.
Hurricane Ida made landfall as a strong Category 4 with winds of 150 mph, making it the fifth strongest hurricane to ever hit the U.S. mainland. The storm's heavy rain and wind inflicted flooding and damage along the Louisiana and Mississippi coast. Hurricane Ida knocked out power in New Orleans in scorching temperatures, leaving families without access to fresh food as businesses are closed and they are unable to prepare meals.
WCK's relief team arrived in New Orleans before Hurricane Ida made landfall and activated a kitchen at the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute. On the first day following the storm, we served hot lunches and dinners to first responders, families staying in shelters, and affected neighborhoods in New Orleans. We also delivered food into the city of Houma and smaller communities west of New Orleans, which were hit hard.
The situation in Louisiana is quickly evolving as we continue to identify food needs. WCK is serving thousands of meals daily, supporting families in New Orleans at sites that include community centers, churches, schools, and parks. WCK will continue to deliver nourishing meals into Houma and the other hardest-hit areas of Louisiana, using the power of food to heal communities during this time. With your support, we can support communities affected by Hurricane Ida through good food and hope.
