Skip to content

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation grants $2 million to World Central Kitchen for hurricane relief

Grant will provide fresh meals to communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

ATLANTA – Sept. 29, 2024 – In response to Hurricane Helene, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation today announced a $2 million grant to World Central Kitchen (WCK). WCK is often first to the frontlines providing nourishing meals and water following humanitarian, climate and community crises by applying a quick action model to serve hundreds of millions of meals around the world. The funds will be used for immediate relief in Georgia, with the potential to serve additional impacted communities.

Prepositioning in the region ahead of the Category 4 hurricane, WCK quickly served its first hot meals the moment it was safe by using its strong network of partners and state-of-the-art vehicles. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients for cooking or distributing them to people in need.

“As a community, we are defined by how we come together in times of need,” said Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman, Blank Family of Businesses. “In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we have witnessed unimaginable devastation, but also the resilience and strength of the people affected. Our hearts are with those who have lost loved ones and been impacted in so many ways by this storm. We are so grateful for the brave first responders, neighbors and others who have bravely stepped in to help so many across the southeast and we continue to pray for their protection and safety throughout the recovery from this devastating storm.”

To donate to the World Central Kitchen, click here.

About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation 

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is a philanthropy founded to help transform lives and communities by uniting people across differences to find common cause. Started in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, the foundation has granted more than $1.3 billion to charitable causes. Our collective giving areas are Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health and Well-Being, and Youth Development. Across these areas, we take on tough challenges by uniting the courage and compassion of our communities so we can all thrive together.

In addition to the priority areas of giving, the foundation oversees a large portfolio of grants including support of essential Atlanta nonprofit institutions, such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Shepherd Center, and enduring founder-led initiatives, such as veterans and the military and stuttering, among others. The foundation will also continue to guide the six associate-led giving committees operating across the Blank Family of Businesses. 

For more information, please visit www.blankfoundation.org

Stay Connected

Stay up to date with stories of impact, grants in your neighborhood and other interesting foundation news. 


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Close ×