April 6, 2025

YANGON — U.S.-based humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) has received official approval from Myanmar’s State Administration Council to begin large-scale meal distribution for communities affected by the recent earthquake.

WCK, known globally for its rapid-response food relief efforts, is launching an initiative to provide daily nutritious meals to those impacted by the disaster. Preparations for cooking and distribution are already underway, a source close to the organization told YMG.

The organization plans to distribute approximately 8 million meal boxes, each consisting of 150 grams of rice, 150 grams of vegetables, 150 grams of protein, and a bottle of water, in line with WCK’s nutritional guidelines. The $10 million operation is designed to meet urgent food needs while also strengthening long-term community resilience, the source said.

To carry out the program, WCK is partnering with the Myanmar Restaurant Association to recruit local chefs. The initiative will rely on locally sourced ingredients, including vegetables and meat, helping to stimulate regional markets. In addition, participating chefs and food preparers will receive training and certification, ensuring quality and food safety standards are met.

“WCK is committed to supporting Myanmar communities with nutritious meals while creating economic opportunities,” the source added. “The model includes community-based cooking centers, where local volunteers lead efforts to prepare meals in affected villages.”

The organization will replicate successful strategies used during previous relief missions in Turkey and Syria following the 2023 earthquakes, by setting up decentralized cooking facilities to ensure timely and widespread meal distribution.

The initiative aims to address the immediate humanitarian crisis while also providing longer-term support through local employment opportunities and skills training.

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