Humanitarian, chef, and Vilcek Prizewinner José Andrés founded World Central Kitchen (WCK) in 2010, with the goal of providing fresh meals and access to food, water, and critical resources to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes quickly and effectively: They partner with organizations on the ground, prioritizing support for regional economies and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, and emergency kitchens. 

In January 2025, wildfires devastated the Southern California communities of Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, destroying homes and businesses and displacing thousands. Vilcek Foundation science advisor K. Heran Darwin proposed that the foundation identify a way to provide support to the region aligned with the foundation’s mission.

WCK was a clear and an immediate fit: the Vilcek Foundation was able to support the organization in providing water and 1,500 fresh plates of food to people in need. As of April 2025, WCK has provided more than 1.3 million meals and 55,490 gallons of water to communities across Los Angeles County.

While the fires themselves have been fully contained, the lasting effects of the destruction are still being felt by communities. To support this ongoing recovery, WCK has developed a series of farmers markets, where residents can collect fresh, locally grown produce from 14 local farms free of charge. WCK has also distributed grocery store gift cards to restaurant workers and owners who lost their sources of income to the blazes.