Garmin Supplies Satcom Devices to World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen Founder Chef José Andrés uses the Garmin inReach Mini to coordinate relief efforts in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian. Photo: World Central Kitchen

Garmin International is supporting World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that works to create solutions to hunger and poverty around the world. WCK team members are equipped with inReach Mini and GPSMAP 66i handheld satellite communication devices, helping relief teams stay connected and informed while providing meals to communities affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.

When a WCK team is deployed to a location to deliver or distribute food, staff back at an operations center need to know that the team has arrived safely in order to begin to distribute resources. WCK uses inReach devices to track their teams in the field, and staff at the command center can monitor their progress. Teams in the field can also provide status reports using two-way messaging.

“When power is out and network infrastructure takes a hit, communication is essential. The reliability of inReach technology helps WCK’s relief teams stay in touch while navigating dangerous situations all over the globe,” said Erich Broksas, WCK’s chief strategy officer. “WCK teams often face treacherous weather and travel on roads that may be cluttered with debris and downed power lines. Knowing they have SOS and communications capabilities helps us manage risk.”