Garmin announces global collaboration with World Central Kitchen

Garmin International, a unit of Garmin, announced its support of 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 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.”

When a WCK team is deployed to a location to deliver or distribute food, staff back at an operations centre 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 centre can monitor their progress. Teams in the field can also provide status reports using two-way messaging.

“Garmin’s mission is to provide superior products that are an essential part of our customers’ lives. In an emergency, few things are more essential than a meal,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin vice president of global consumer marketing. “Every day, Garmin inReach devices help connect adventurers with potentially life-saving emergency assistance. In the same way, World Central Kitchen helps connect victims of natural disasters and emergencies with life-sustaining meals.”