Spotlight - World Central Kitchen calls international community not to forget Kyiv and Gaza
France 24 Europe
by François PICARDFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Celebrity Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK), is urging the international community to continue supporting Ukraine and Gaza through his Longer Tables Fund. This innovative charity initiative matches donations to help fund critical energy infrastructure in both regions, ensuring that WCK can provide one million hot meals daily to those in need. The program highlights the organization's commitment to addressing not just immediate food insecurity but also the underlying challenges of energy access, which are vital for maintaining essential services during conflict.
World Central Kitchen has a long history of responding to global crises, including its efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters worldwide. However, the Longer Tables Fund represents a new approach by focusing on sustainable solutions that extend beyond emergency food aid. By supporting energy infrastructure, WCK aims to create a more resilient foundation for delivering meals and other critical services in conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated. In regions affected by prolonged conflict, consistent access to energy is often disrupted, making it difficult to maintain cooking facilities, refrigeration, and even communication networks. By addressing these infrastructure gaps, WCK is not only feeding people but also helping to stabilize communities in the face of ongoing adversity. This dual focus on food and energy underscores the organization's recognition that true sustainability requires tackling root causes, such as unreliable energy supplies.
Andrés emphasizes that while the world may lose interest in ongoing conflicts over time, the needs of those affected remain constant. The Longer Tables Fund is a call to action for sustained international support, ensuring that aid continues to reach those who need it most. This initiative not only provides immediate relief but also lays the groundwork for long-term stability in regions recovering from conflict.
For readers interested in global affairs, this story highlights the interconnected nature of humanitarian challenges and the importance of innovative solutions. It also underscores the role of individuals and organizations in maintaining momentum for causes that may otherwise fall out of the spotlight. José Andrés's work serves as a reminder that even small acts of
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Originally published on France 24 Europe on 2/25/2026