1000 poultry farmers to benefit from Chicken RE-COOP

QUEENS COUNTY, NY:

One thousand backyard poultry farmers across Jamaica are set to benefit from Chicken RE-COOP, a hurricane recovery programme, which was set for launching on March 1, 2026.

The initiative comes in response to Hurricane Melissa, which left hundreds of families, particularly single-parent–led households in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James, Trelawny, Hanover, Manchester, and St. Ann, without coops, livestock, or their primary source of food and income.

Chicken Coop Caribbean is spearheading the programme, which provides faith farmers and their communities, identified by partnering churches, with one of the fastest and most sustainable pathways to recovery following disasters. Part of the organisation’s 2030 vision, Chicken RE-COOP aims to support 1,000 vulnerable farmers across Jamaica.

“With Hurricane Melissa, so many families lost not only their livestock, but their livelihood,” said Sister Janice Julian, programme administrator.

“Through Chicken RE-COOP, we are helping families rebuild with dignity, restore food security, and regain hope. By God’s grace, these communities will recover stronger than before.”

With proper inputs and guidance, broiler birds mature within six weeks, allowing families to quickly restore household income, strengthen food security, and regain stability without long-term dependency.

Run by Jamaicans, Chicken Coop Caribbean is a Christian outreach organisation serving under served faith farmers and their communities across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, including operations in Grenada.

Established in 2021, the organisation embraces the biblical “brother’s keeper” approach, helping struggling farmers start or restart backyard poultry operations with dignity, sustainability, and renewed hope.

The programme is administered by Give Righteousness A Chance to Evangelise, under the spiritual guidance of Lighthouse Baptist Church, and supported by Caribbean Food Delights, along with countless sponsors and individual partners who share a passion for empowering communities through faith and practical assistance.

HOW CHICKEN RE-COOP WORKS

In partnership with local churches, Chicken RE-COOP will dentify eligible faith farmers and vulnerable families within affected communities; distribute starter chicks, feed, and coop repair materials; provide technical guidance and pastoral support; and maintain accountability and ongoing oversight

“This initiative is about more than poultry,” said Sister Julian. “It’s about restoring hope, strengthening communities, and giving families the tools to stand on their own feet. Together with our partners, we can make a real, lasting difference.”