Midwest Food Bank Sends 200,000 Meals to Jamaica

200,000 Meals En Route to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa Devastation

– In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, Midwest Food Bank is deploying a full truckload of Tender Mercies meals over 200,000 ready-to-eat servings to provide immediate disaster relief. The shipment, coordinated in partnership with Convoy of Hope, aims to feed thousands of people displaced by widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and ongoing power outages.

The powerful Category 4 hurricane made landfall earlier this week, causing massive destruction, triggering landslides, displacing families, and cutting off access to food and clean water in many communities. As local emergency responders assess the full extent of the damage, Midwest Food Bank is ensuring that nutritious, shelf-stable meals arrive where they’re needed most.

“Our response is swift because hunger doesn’t wait,” said Pat Burke, Executive Director at Midwest Food Bank. “These meals provide more than calories — they provide hope, comfort, and strength for those facing unimaginable hardship.”

Impact on the Community

Midwest Food Bank’s signature Tender Mercies meals are high-protein, shelf-stable, and easy to prepare — ideal for disaster zones with limited infrastructure. This shipment represents more than 200,000 individual meals, a critical resource as thousands in Jamaica confront food insecurity in the wake of the storm.

  • Each meal costs just $0.25 to sponsor
  • The truckload represents $50,000 in meal value alone — all provided through donor generosity
  • Partners on the ground will distribute meals directly to affected families

“When disaster strikes, our calling is to respond,” said Pat Burke, Executive Director at Midwest Food Bank. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve those impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and to offer help in a time of great need.”

How You Can Help

For those who wish to help, financial donations give Midwest Food Bank the flexibility to quickly and efficiently respond to the needs of the victims. To help cover the cost of the supplies or fuel needed to transport them, visit www.midwestfoodbank.org/relief to donate. You may also text @MFB to 52014 to donate. Together, we can provide hope and help to those in need.

Morrow First UMC partners with Midwest Food Bank to provide food to our community through our Food Pantry. 

Midwest Food Bank was founded in 2003 on the Kieser family farm in rural McLean County, Illinois. Partner non-profit agencies receive food from MFB at no cost. MFB, the largest food bank in the U.S., has 10 domestic locations serving 25 states. There are also two international locations, East Africa and Haiti. For more information about Midwest Food Bank (your Location), please visit their website at midwestfoodbank.org.

Midwest Food Bank (“MFB”) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. As a faith-based organization, it is the mission of Midwest Food Bank to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout the world and providing disaster relief; all without discrimination. Our vision is to provide industry leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually.