Over 30,000 food packages have so far been distributed to households across Jamaica in response to Hurricane Melissa.

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr, says this nationwide effort reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no family is left behind during times of crisis.

Under the leadership of the Humanitarian Assistance Response Committee, chaired by the ministry, efforts were mobilized swiftly to safeguard essential food supplies before the storm’s arrival.

Food stocks were strategically relocated from the central food supplies facility to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) base at Up Park Camp, ensuring uninterrupted distribution even amidst severe weather conditions.

Working alongside partners including the JDF, Food for the Poor, Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and several faith-based and community organizations, the ministry coordinated relief operations in all 14 parishes.

To date, 22,156 packages were distributed directly by the ministry, while private sector and partner contributions accounted for an additional 8,500 packages.