Trish Engel, the Los Angeles Community Outreach Manager for World Central Kitchen (WCK), found herself at a crossroads in January.
After spending seven years away from Los Angeles, she was back home to support her stepdad as he faced Stage 4 cancer.
However, her certainty about returning to her hometown began to waver.
But when the Eaton and Palisades fires ravaged the region, Engel was thrust into action right in her own backyard.
World Central Kitchen, known for distributing food in disaster-stricken areas worldwide, quickly mobilized to provide support as the fires tore through communities.
Engel noted that WCK doesn’t just want to come in and take charge; instead, they aim to partner with local organizations already doing vital work.
“WCK wants to amplify the good that’s being done in the community,” Engel expressed.
One of the first collaborations was with Rafa Gass, who operates the Altadena Farmer’s Market.
She was already providing fresh produce for free to those in need, and WCK helped elevate her efforts by covering market costs and connecting her with local organic farms.
This partnership allowed Gass’s initiative to grow into a larger distribution of free produce for the community.
Engel shared that other local organizations, equipped with grants, have since expressed interest in running similar long-term feeding programs with WCK.
Community advocate René Amy reflected on the value of WCK’s support, noting that a healthy meal provided a bright spot during difficult times.
Since deploying to Southern California on January 8, WCK has delivered over one million meals by collaborating with more than 70 restaurant and food truck partners.
Approximately 350 local volunteers have joined the effort to feed those affected.
One of the innovative measures included establishing “WCK cafes” at local restaurants that usually would be closed.
Engel explained, “They’re cooking their same meals, we’re paying them per meal and they’re just handing them out to the impacted community.”
Additionally, WCK implemented a system of gift cards to support local restaurants impacted by the fires.
With a total investment of $5,000, WCK purchased $100 gift cards from 100 restaurants around the areas of the Eaton and Palisades fires.
These gift cards were distributed in conjunction with fresh produce, offering families a moment of connection and normalcy amid chaos.
“A hundred dollars isn’t gonna be life-changing,” Engel admitted.
“The purpose is to create a moment of connection between families affected and businesses that are also struggling.”
Even smaller businesses found ways to participate; WCK ensured that mom-and-pop shops could accept gift cards to create a supportive network.
“Seeing friends and family who have lost everything and connecting them to familiar businesses has been incredible,” Engel said.
Looking ahead, WCK is launching an initiative called Restaurant Recovery.
This will involve renting a commissary kitchen space in downtown L.A. for multiple food businesses eager to rebound from the crisis.
In addition to the kitchen space, WCK plans to collect small ware donations needed for these businesses to flourish once again.
Engel expressed hope that beyond just providing assistance, this initiative would foster a sense of community among participants.
As the large-scale meal distribution in Altadena comes to a close, WCK plans to transition into a more targeted delivery approach.
Food will be provided to displaced residents staying in hotels and through community groups.
Engel emphasized WCK’s ongoing commitment to collaborate with organizations like the Hollywood Food Coalition, Support and Feed, and Feed the Children to create sustainable feeding programs for affected individuals.
Having witnessed the myriad of people and organizations rallying to support those affected by the fires has deeply influenced Engel’s perspective on her place in Los Angeles.
“I know exactly why I am supposed to be here right now,” Engel concluded.
Feeling overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity to assist the community, she affirmed her belief that Altadena will rebuild, noting, “It’s going to take all of us together.”
image source from：https://www.sgvtribune.com/2025/04/26/world-central-kitchen-transitions-to-new-phase-of-la-area-wildfire-relief/
