World Central Kitchen Inc. ("WCK," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of the individuals and communities we serve. This Privacy Policy ("Policy") explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information when you interact with our websites, applications, SMS/WhatsApp/RCS communications, digital platforms, and disaster-response tools—including those supporting the Innovation Kitchen, ANDRES, WCKLab, ChefConnect, and related systems (collectively, the "Services").
By accessing or using the Services, you consent to the practices described in this Policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect two primary types of information: Personal Information and Non-Personal Information.
1.1 Personal Information
Personal Information may include:
- Name, phone number, email address, physical address
- Identity verification documents or training records
- Geolocation data when shared voluntarily
- Photos, messages, reports, or field data submitted
- Information provided during onboarding or disaster-response participation
- Mobile phone numbers and message metadata when you opt in to receive SMS/WhatsApp/RCS alerts
1.2 Non-Personal Information
Non-Personal Information may include:
- Browser type, device type, and operating system
- Referring URLs and website activity
- Aggregated usage metrics
- Disaster-response activity patterns (non-identifiable)
1.3 Information Collected Automatically
We may use cookies, device analytics, and log data to improve functionality, security, and user experience.
2. Information You Provide Directly
You may provide information when you:
- Register for an account
- Complete a chef or responder onboarding flow
- Receive or respond to messages from WCK
- Submit needs, reports, photos, or operational data
- Participate in surveys, training, or pilot programs
By providing this information, you authorize WCK to use it consistent with this Policy.
3. How We Use Information
We use Personal and Non-Personal Information to:
- Coordinate humanitarian assistance
- Facilitate meal production, delivery, and reporting
- Enable two-way communication during disasters
- Verify responder identity and eligibility
- Provide operational alerts and updates
- Improve the Services and develop new tools
- Conduct research, analytics, and impact assessment
- Comply with legal, safety, or regulatory obligations
We do not sell, trade, rent, or share Personal Information with third parties for marketing purposes.
4. How We Share Information
We may share your information only with:
- Trusted humanitarian partners, when necessary for disaster coordination
- Technology providers (e.g., Twilio, OneReach.ai, WhatsApp Business API) solely for service delivery
- Payment processors for approved reimbursements or stipends
- Government or emergency operations centers, when legally required or essential to community safety
All vendors and partners are required to protect Personal Information and follow applicable privacy regulations.
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or restructuring, information may be transferred to the acquiring organization.
5. How We Protect Information
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards such as:
- Encryption in transit and at rest
- Access controls and audit logs
- Secure hosting environments
- Firewalls and intrusion detection
No system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection, but we continuously work to strengthen our security posture.
6. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may request to:
- Access your Personal Information
- Correct or update your information
- Request deletion (where legally permissible)
- Opt out of specific message types or data uses
To make a request, contact privacy@wcklab.org.
Even if you opt out of certain communications, WCK may still send administrative or legally required notices.
7. Links to External Websites
Our Services may link to third-party websites or tools. This Policy applies only to WCK systems. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites.
8. SMS / WhatsApp / RCS Messaging Privacy Notice
This section applies to information collected when you opt in to receive operational messages via SMS, WhatsApp, RCS, voice, or similar channels.
8.1 What Information We Collect
- Mobile phone number
- Message metadata (e.g., timestamps, delivery status, responses)
- Content of your messages if you respond
8.2 How We Use Messaging Information
- To deliver operational updates, activation alerts, safety notices, and coordination messages
- To verify identity or availability
- To maintain consent records for legal and carrier compliance
We do not sell or share mobile numbers with third parties for marketing.
8.3 Consent & Opt-In
By opting in through web form, QR code, SMS keyword, or other method, you consent to receive non-marketing operational messages from WCK.
Message and data rates may apply.
8.4 Opt-Out & Help
You may unsubscribe at any time by replying:
- STOP to SMS or RCS
- STOP or using native tools in WhatsApp
- Or by emailing privacy@wcklab.org
Reply HELP for assistance.
8.5 Transparency
Messages will:
- Identify WCK or the relevant program
- Include opt-out instructions
- Use clear and operationally relevant language
8.6 Data Security
WCK maintains safeguards to protect mobile numbers and related metadata from unauthorized access.
8.7 Your Messaging Rights
You may request correction or deletion of your mobile number from our records at any time.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Policy as our systems, partnerships, or regulatory environment evolve. When changes are material, we will notify you via email, website notice, SMS, or app notification.
Continued use of the Services after updates indicates acceptance of the revised Policy.
10. Contact Us
World Central Kitchen Inc.
Email: privacy@wcklab.org
Website: wcklab.org