Call for Organisations to Support Emergency Food Assistance (Jamaica)

Deadline: 04-Sep-2026

The World Food Programme (WFP) Caribbean is seeking Jamaica-based civil society and non-governmental organisations to support rapid, large-scale in-kind food assistance during national emergencies. The opportunity aims to strengthen Jamaica’s emergency preparedness and response capacity while ensuring disaster-affected households can access essential food and nutrition support during and after crises.

About the Programme

The World Food Programme Caribbean is working to strengthen emergency preparedness and response mechanisms in Jamaica through partnerships with local civil society and humanitarian organisations. The initiative forms part of the WFP Multi-Country Strategic Plan (2022–2026) and builds on lessons learned from recent hurricane and disaster responses. Through this call, WFP seeks organisations capable of rapidly mobilising resources and delivering food assistance to communities affected by national emergencies.

Objectives of the Initiative

The programme is designed to improve Jamaica’s ability to respond quickly to major shocks and emergencies.

Key objectives include:

Providing emergency food assistance to crisis-affected populations. Helping disaster-affected households meet their food and nutrition needs. Supporting access to essential food during and after emergencies. Strengthening national emergency response coordination. Improving collaboration between national authorities and humanitarian partners. Protecting livelihoods and helping preserve the nutritional status of affected populations. Strengthening community preparedness through public information and sensitisation activities. Who Is Eligible? The call is specifically intended for Jamaica-based civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Applicants should have the operational capacity to implement rapid and large-scale in-kind food distributions during national emergencies. Organisations should therefore be able to demonstrate appropriate capabilities for emergency response, food distribution, community engagement, and coordination with humanitarian partners. What Activities Are Supported? The selected organisations will support several activities related to emergency food assistance and disaster response. Emergency Food Distribution A central component of the programme is the rapid distribution of in-kind food assistance to households and communities affected by national emergencies. Organisations should have the capacity to reach affected populations quickly and efficiently following a national shock. Food Storage and Kitting The programme also includes activities related to: Effective storage and kitting are important for ensuring food can be mobilised and distributed efficiently during emergencies. Community Sensitisation Selected partners will also support community-level communication and awareness activities.

These may include:

Community sensitisation. Public information campaigns. Communication about available emergency assistance. Information to help affected communities access food support. Expected Results The initiative seeks to generate practical improvements in Jamaica’s emergency food response system.

Expected results include:

Crisis-affected populations are better able to meet essential food and nutrition needs. Disaster-affected households have improved access to food. Emergency food assistance can be delivered rapidly at scale. National emergency response coordination is strengthened. Humanitarian partners are better connected to national response mechanisms. Communities receive appropriate information about emergency assistance. Food storage and kitting capacity supports timely emergency distributions. How the Programme Works

Step 1: Assess Organisational Capacity

Jamaica-based NGOs and civil society organisations should assess whether they have the operational capacity to deliver food assistance rapidly and at scale.

Step 2: Review the Emergency Response Requirements

Applicants should understand the expected role of partners in: Food distribution. Storage. Food kitting. Community sensitisation. Public information. Emergency coordination.

Step 3: Demonstrate Relevant Experience

Organisations should clearly present their experience in humanitarian response, emergency food assistance, logistics, community engagement, or similar activities.

Step 4: Demonstrate Operational Reach

Applicants should explain their ability to mobilise personnel, logistics, storage, distribution networks, and community relationships when an emergency occurs.

Step 5: Apply Through the WFP Process

Eligible organisations should submit their application and supporting information according to the requirements specified in the official WFP call. Why This Opportunity Matters Jamaica is exposed to natural hazards and other emergencies that can disrupt food access and place additional pressure on vulnerable households. Local organisations play an important role in reaching affected communities quickly because they often have established relationships, local knowledge, and community-level networks. By partnering with Jamaica-based NGOs and civil society organisations, WFP aims to strengthen the country’s ability to deliver timely, coordinated, and nutrition-sensitive emergency food assistance. The programme also goes beyond food distribution by strengthening storage, kitting, communication, and coordination systems that are essential for effective humanitarian response. Key Points at a Glance

Organisation: World Food Programme Caribbean

Country: Jamaica

Opportunity type: Emergency response partnership

Target applicants: Jamaica-based civil society and non-governmental organisations

Main focus: Rapid in-kind food distribution

Target beneficiaries: Populations and households affected by national emergencies

Key activities: Food distribution, storage, kitting, community sensitisation, and public information

Programme framework: WFP Multi-Country Strategic Plan (2022–2026)

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