By Riyo Anne Reyes, REEF intern

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) joined other organizations in a community-wide food distribution effort to support residents affected by Typhoon Champi. 

The initiative began Tuesday, Oct. 20, two days after Champi passed just south of Guam, through a partnership involving World Central Kitchen (WCK), Micronesia Climate Change Alliance (MCCA), and Breaking Wave Theatre Company. Approximately 1,500 meals were distributed that day, primarily to southern villages affected by the storm. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, participating restaurants prepared another 1,800 meals for communities across northern, central, and southern Guam, particularly areas still without power. 

Breaking Wave Theatre Company provided its space as the distribution headquarters Tuesday, with operations moving to The Westin Resort Guam on Wednesday. 

MCCA Co-Executive Director Moñeka de Oro reflected on the impact of recent storms on Guam’s communities. “There are definitely people out there who still need the support, especially since we’ve had multiple storms this year,” de Oro said. 

Tristan Quintanilla, a UOG CIS & Sea Grant extension and outreach assistant, volunteered by transporting meals from participating restaurant Beachin’ Shrimp to village mayors’ offices. 

For Quintanilla, the effort was also an opportunity to deliver meals to his home village of Hågat. “As a resident, I have had firsthand experience witnessing the destruction of typhoons and the daily struggles that my neighbors and community members face,” he said. “To play a small role in helping to alleviate their burdens is deeply fulfilling for me.”

The effort continues UOG CIS & Sea Grant’s community outreach work, including previous disaster relief efforts alongside World Central Kitchen following Typhoon Bavi.

Those interested in volunteering can visit MCCA’s Instagram page, @micronesiaclimatealliance.