Food For The Poor Expands Relief Network Across Jamaica
Regional Hubs Strengthen Hurricane Melissa Response
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Nov. 3, 2025) – Food For The Poor (FFTP) has expanded its emergency relief network in Jamaica following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, establishing three regional operations hubs in Montego Bay, Black River, and New Hope and developing plans for a fourth hub between Montego Bay and St. Ann’s.
The expansion strengthens access to communities still isolated by flooding and debris and allows faster, more coordinated relief delivery.
Each hub serves as a critical distribution point for food, water, hygiene items, tarps, and other emergency supplies.
Volunteer coordinators and warehouse logistics operators are managing the flow of goods at each site, supported by a dedicated FFTP team member overseeing daily operations to maintain 24/7 readiness and ensure efficiency across the response network.
“This multi-hub approach allows us to reach families faster, sustain operations longer, and strengthen communication with our partners in the field,” said FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine, who is currently in Jamaica. “It’s not just about moving aid. It’s about staying close to the people who need us most and empowering local teams to act quickly and effectively.”
Raine, whose wife is Jamaican, emphasized that his leadership during the Hurricane Melissa response is personal and relational.
“Because of my deep connections with Jamaica’s church, business, and government communities, FFTP is well-positioned to coordinate aid effectively and avoid duplication,” Raine said.
FFTP is coordinating all efforts under the direction of Jamaica’s Humanitarian Assistance Committee, led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Services. The organization is also collaborating closely with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Water Mission, and the World Food Programme.
The Montego Bay, Black River, and New Hope hubs are focusing on regional coordination and outreach to hard-hit rural areas, working through local churches to ensure aid reaches families in remote communities — the critical “last mile” of distribution. A proposed fourth hub near St. Ann’s would extend FFTP’s reach into northern Jamaica, providing more direct support to parishes where access remains difficult.
Water access remains one of the most urgent needs in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. A major 40-inch main line in Montego Bay has been fractured, leaving large areas without service.
With authorization from Jamaican officials, Water Mission, supported by FFTP, will establish water purification operations at a natural spring in Savanna-la-Mar to supply nearby communities.
“The damage extends beyond roofs. In many communities, the walls themselves aren’t standing,” Raine said. “We are preparing for a large-scale rebuild ahead.”
He added that FFTP’s ability to expand rapidly across Jamaica is a testament to its strong network of more than 1,200 church partners, who will play a vital role in both needs assessment and ongoing distribution.
“Every truck that moves, every shipment that’s cleared, and every volunteer who steps up represents the heart of this mission in action,” Raine said. “Our teams are working tirelessly, with professionalism, compassion, and faith, to help families begin the long process of recovery.”
Humanitarian and Corporate Partners
Key partners include World Central Kitchen (food support and cooking supplies), Water Mission (clean water purification systems), AmeriCares (medical supplies), Airlink and Amerijet (air transport logistics), Cedella Marley and the Bob & Rita Marley Foundation (recovery support), and Wisynco (local logistics and distribution). Additional relief is being provided through donated hygiene kits, bedding, tarps, and essential goods from Matthew 25: Ministries, Midwest Mission, MAP International, Brother’s Brother Foundation, Heart to Heart International, and Harvest Time.
Community and City Engagement
Cities including Lauderhill, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Tamarac, Coral Springs, and Fort Lauderdale are hosting donation drives to collect food, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies bound for Jamaica and Haiti. These grassroots initiatives, supported by churches, civic groups, and Caribbean-American organizations, reflect a powerful spirit of solidarity, ensuring vital aid continues to reach families in need.
Donation Drive Underway
FFTP is collecting the following relief supplies from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at the FFTP warehouse, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073.
• Hygiene supplies, such as soap, deodorant, and wash cloths
• Tarps
• Solar lanterns
• Blankets
• Water boots
• Diapers for children and adults
• Feminine hygiene products
• Children’s activity books and games
Nonperishable food Items (at least nine months before expiration)
• Vegetables: Canned tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, green beans, spinach, and mixed vegetables
• Fruits: Canned peaches, pineapple, mango, pears, and similar varieties
• Protein: Canned chicken, turkey, beef, fish, or dehydrated meat
• Dry Grains: Rice, beans, lentils, and peas
• Cereals: Wheat, cornmeal, oats, and pasta
• Nuts, Seeds, and Nut Butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter
• Vegetable Oil: Cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
• Milk Products: Boxed or powdered milk, fortified alternatives (shelf-stable)
• Ready-to-Eat Snacks: Nutritional biscuits, energy bars, or fortified snacks
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, seasoning blends, and stock cubes
Other Ways to Help
• Donations can be made securely at www.foodforthepoor.org/melissa.
• An Amazon charity list of urgently needed supplies is available at www.www.foodforthepoor.org/melissalist.
About Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty and transforming lives. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, we help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts span urgent humanitarian relief and long-term development – from emergency aid and hunger alleviation to education, housing, and economic empowerment. We follow a distinctive approach that integrates faith, multi-sector strategies, and trusted partnerships. Whenever possible, we strive to work at the community level, partnering with local leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions that address the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
