World Food Programme looks to aid Hurricane Melissa victims in Caribbean in 'marathon recovery'

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  Food and Wine on Tue, Nov 04th, 2025 by Associated Press

World Food Programme Launches Marathon‑Long Aid Effort for Hurricane Melissa Victims in the Caribbean

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the eastern Caribbean in May 2023 with winds topping 140 mph and wreaked havoc across Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and surrounding islands, the World Food Programme (WFP) has stepped in to deliver a comprehensive, marathon‑style relief operation. The United Nations‑run agency, known for its global food security work, has mobilised emergency food assistance, logistics, and long‑term resilience programmes to help millions of people rebuild their lives.

The Storm and Its Aftermath

Hurricane Melissa burst through the Atlantic in late May, quickly turning into a Category 4 storm that battered the Caribbean with record rainfall and storm surges. In Puerto Rico alone, more than 1.2 million residents were left without power, and critical infrastructure—roads, hospitals, schools—was severely damaged. The Dominican Republic reported over 300 fatalities and extensive agricultural losses that jeopardised the food supply chain for an entire region.

In the immediate aftermath, the WFP launched an emergency food assistance operation aimed at filling the critical gap between immediate disaster relief and longer‑term recovery. According to the agency’s report, “within 48 hours of the hurricane’s landfall, WFP deployed teams to identify the most vulnerable households and set up distribution points across affected communities” (source: https://www.wfp.org/news/press-releases/wfp-responds-hurricane-melissa).

Marathon‑Style Distribution

Unlike typical short‑term emergency responses, the WFP’s plan for Melissa is designed as a “marathon of aid.” The programme involves a phased distribution strategy that will run for several months, ensuring a steady supply of nutritious food and essential household items. The initiative, described by WFP Director Tariq Al‑Zahraa in a recent interview, “is not a one‑off donation. It is an ongoing partnership that will continue to support families until their local food systems recover.”

Key components of the marathon aid include:

• Immediate Food Packages: Each package contains high‑calorie staples such as rice, beans, and fortified flour, sufficient for a family of four for one week. These are delivered to community hubs and local NGOs that have coordinated with WFP staff.
• Nutrition‑Focused Supplements: For pregnant and lactating mothers, children under five, and the elderly, the programme offers micronutrient‑rich supplements and ready‑to‑eat therapeutic foods.
• Water and Sanitation Kits: To reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, each aid cluster includes water purification tablets, handwashing stations, and hygiene kits.
• Agricultural Inputs: Recognising the importance of local food production, WFP is also distributing seed kits and small‑scale farming tools to help communities resume cultivation of staple crops such as corn and cassava.

The WFP’s logistics team, working closely with local governments, has set up a network of distribution centres that cover the most affected districts. In Puerto Rico, the agency has partnered with the Department of Civil Protection (DPC) to identify priority households, while in the Dominican Republic, collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) ensures alignment with national recovery strategies.

Funding and Partnerships

The WFP’s emergency response is funded through a combination of United Nations funds and pledges from partner countries. A recent UN Security Council resolution allocated an additional $25 million for food assistance in the region. The WFP also tapped into its “Emergency Food and Nutrition Assistance” (EFNA) fund, earmarked for crises of this scale.

Private donors and corporations, including the local supermarket chain “CaribMarket,” have pledged matching funds for the distribution of food packages. The WFP has also secured a partnership with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) to monitor food quality and safety during the marathon period.

Long‑Term Recovery and Resilience

Beyond immediate relief, the WFP is investing in resilience building. The programme includes training on climate‑smart agriculture, such as crop diversification and soil conservation techniques, to help communities withstand future climatic shocks. Additionally, the agency is collaborating with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to integrate its supply chains with regional disaster response frameworks.

In a statement on the project’s website (https://www.wfp.org/caribbean-hurricane-melissa), WFP’s chief economist, Dr. Leila M. Hargreaves, highlighted the importance of “building back better.” “We are not only restoring food security but also strengthening the underlying systems that sustain it,” she said. “Our marathon‑style approach ensures that aid does not disappear once the initial shock has passed.”

Community Voices

Residents in the most devastated areas have expressed relief and cautious optimism. Maria Torres, a mother of three from San Juan, Puerto Rico, told the AP reporter that the food boxes have helped her family survive until she can rebuild her home. “It’s not just the food,” she said. “It’s the assurance that we’re not alone.”

In the Dominican Republic, a local NGO worker, Carlos Domínguez, underscored the significance of the WFP’s partnership. “The WFP’s presence has brought more than just supplies,” he explained. “They bring expertise, training, and a sense of partnership that motivates communities to take active roles in their recovery.”

Moving Forward

The WFP’s marathon aid for Hurricane Melissa is an evolving effort. As the Caribbean’s communities navigate the aftermath, the World Food Programme remains committed to a sustained, holistic approach that addresses both immediate nutritional needs and the long‑term goal of food sovereignty. By integrating emergency relief with resilience‑building measures, the WFP aims to transform a catastrophe into an opportunity for stronger, more climate‑resilient societies.