Almost one month after Hurricane Melissa carved a path of destruction across Jamaica, Food For The Poor (FFTP), based in Coconut Creek, Fla., continues to lead one of the most extensive humanitarian responses in the charity’s 43-year history, providing life-saving assistance as the country begins the difficult shift from emergency relief to early recovery.
FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine emphasized that Jamaica remains the organization’s “top and urgent priority,” even as work continues across the region.
“Our approach is simple,” Raine said. “We meet the most urgent needs first, respond with practical, high-impact solutions, and keep going until families have what they need to rebuild their lives.”
Since landfall on October 28, FFTP has moved more than 116 emergency shipments into Jamaica, including airlifts and ocean containers, carrying over 4 million pounds of food, water, hygiene supplies, medical goods, shelter materials, generators, and other essential relief items.
These supplies have supported more than 24,000 families to date.
FFTP’s response is being executed in close coordination with the Government of Jamaica, the Humanitarian Assistance Committee (HAC), the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), churches, and numerous international partners.
Raine noted that more than $4 million in direct response costs have already been committed for food, logistics, shipping, vehicle operations, and rapid procurement of locally sourced bulk items.
In the weeks since the storm, 1,600 volunteers have assisted with packing and distribution and warehouse output now averages 3,500 food kits per day.
FFTP continues to leverage its logistics and distribution capabilities to help partners reach families nationwide.
One of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, FFTP is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, they help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. foodforthepoor.org.
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