State of Qatar Supporting World Central Kitchen to Benefit Communities Across the U.S.

More than 27,000 meals will be provided in observance of Ramadan to support U.S. families in California, New York, Washington, D.C., Florida, and Texas

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Qatar’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, is proud to announce that the Embassy will join forces with Chef José Andrés’ nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) to donate more than 27,000 meals across the United States during the month of Ramadan. The Embassy’s donation to World Central Kitchen will support its mission of using the power of food to nourish communities and provide comfort and hope during times of crisis and beyond.

Ramadan is a revered month, a time of prayer, reflection, and giving back. These donations are integral to the belief that Ramadan serves as a reminder to care for members of the community who may be struggling or have fallen on hard times. Giving back is especially important as the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year. While Ramadan is largely recognized as a time of fasting and prayer, it is also a time to help the less fortunate, to reach out and ensure the well-being of others.

“Ramadan is a very special time for the Muslim community. It represents a season of giving and charity. We are honored to partner with Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen to join in their ongoing pursuit of food security for communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the Ambassador. “Our hope is that by creating greater awareness of those in need, we will inspire others to do the same and participate in the tradition of giving.”

WCK, a nonprofit typically devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters, is working across America to safely distribute individually packaged, fresh meals in communities that need support. These meals are available for families and children and are delivered directly to at-risk communities and seniors who cannot venture outside. To date, WCK has provided over 36 million meals in more than 400 cities as part of its COVID relief efforts.

“At World Central Kitchen, we believe that a plate of food is so much more than just a meal – it is hope and dignity, our way of saying that we care and we will be here for each other in this difficult time. This generous support from the Embassy of Qatar and His Excellency Ambassador Meshal will help us to provide tens of thousands of meals to communities in need as we continue to fight hunger together,” stated Chef José Andrés, founder of WCK.

About the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United States

The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, D.C. houses Qatar's diplomatic mission to the United States. The primary purposes of the Embassy of Qatar are to highlight Qatar’s policies on regional issues, strengthen Qatar-U.S. bilateral relations, and to assist Qatari citizens who travel or live in the U.S. The current Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States of America is His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

About World Central Kitchen

Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. WCK has created a new model for disaster response through its work helping devastated communities recover and establish resilient food systems. WCK has served more than 50 million fresh meals to people impacted by natural disasters and other crises around the world in countries including The Bahamas, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mozambique, Venezuela, and the United States. WCK’s Resilience Programs in the Caribbean and Central America have trained hundreds of chefs and school cooks, advanced clean cooking practices, and awarded grants to farms, fisheries and small food businesses while also providing training and networking opportunities. Learn more at wck.org.