Local chef and food entrepreneur step up to the plate
Giving back to those affected by Hurricane Melissa
Published:Thursday | November 6, 2025 | 12:08 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
With Hurricane Melissa having wreaked havoc across western Jamaica, local chef Jacqui Tyson and entrepreneur Emelio Madden are among those in the food industry stepping up to offer a warm meal to those in need.
“I didn’t know how to share the love and make people feel warm. So, before I went to help out, I asked myself, ‘What can I go and give to them?’ Everybody has been giving out a bag of rice or canned food. When was the last time that these persons had a hot meal? Their last Sunday dinner was just before the hurricane, because no matter what happens, we always cook dinner on Sundays. So I just wanted to bring that back. Share the love one warm meal at a time,” Chef Tyson told Food.
She, along with her Sunday Dinna team, joined forces with Dr Dayton Campbell, member of parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, and travelled with Island Car Rentals to White House in the parish to provide hot and ready meals for those living in and around that community.
“On the menu, we had barbecued chicken. We also did fish, rice and peas and vegetables. We served about 300 meals. Anything that came to the community prior to our visit was cold. Persons lined up in an orderly fashion to receive their meals, and they were so grateful for the food and care packages. Some even cried, saying they couldn’t tell the last time they had a hot meal,” she said.
Chef Tyson noted that both adults and children have lost everything. And she strongly advises those who can to jump in and assist others in getting back on their feet. “We headed to Montego Bay with Island Car Rentals once again and we hope to share even more love with Sunday Dinna,” she shared.
NATION IS HURTING
After seeing the catastrophe caused by Hurricane Melissa, Madden, the owner of Chicken & Tings, said that he couldn’t just sit by and do nothing. “In moments like this, when our nation is hurting, I believe it’s our responsibility to support one another. Jamaica ah our place. These are our people who spend their hard-earned dollars with us. They are our neighbours and this is our community,” Madden shared.
Starting out on his own, he soon collaborated with World Central Kitchen (WCK), the global food relief non-profit founded by Spanish American chef and restaurateur José Andrés, to share hearty Jamaican meals with those affected by the hurricane in Kingston and St Andrew, as well as St Catherine.
“We started out on the first day on our own at some shelters and Maxfield [Park] Children’s Home. We saw WCK had made a post about coming to Jamaica and seeking partners. So we reached out and partnered with them, focusing on Kingston and St Andrew, Portmore, as well as displaced students at The University of the West Indies and the University of Technology,” Madden said, adding that he was grateful to be able to partner with the organisation. “We’re grateful for the opportunity. It was a natural partnership and a powerful way to serve Jamaica together.”
The dishes provided included fried chicken, stewed chicken, barbecued chicken, brown stewed fish with rice and peas, steamed vegetables and fresh salad. “The focus was on providing balanced meals that felt like home, even in the midst of hardship. Providing a warm meal may seem simple, but, in a crisis, it brings comfort, restores dignity, and reminds people that they’re not alone and someone cares,” said Madden.
He also revealed what it was like during those visits. “The response was surprising, overwhelmingly positive and heartfelt. People were grateful, some smiled, some shared encouraging words, and a few even shed tears. For many, it wasn’t just about the food; it was about knowing someone cared enough to show up. That human connection is what makes this work meaningful.”
He continued, “Being on the ground was emotional. You could feel both the hardship and the resilience. Despite everything, the gratitude and unity we saw reminded us why our island is so special. It was humbling and motivating all at once.”
Noting that the food relief effort doesn’t stop here, Madden has already extended it to the western side of the island. “Our meals are airlifted daily from Up Park Camp and distributed throughout Montego Bay and Negril daily by our partners, WCK. We are committed to continuing as long as the need exists and expanding with our partners to other affected parishes. Rebuilding Jamaica will take time, and we are here to do our part, one meal at a time,” said Madden.