WCK’s work in Ukraine goes beyond meals
Ongoing conflict in Ukraine has left millions of people struggling to meet their basic needs. Food aid is essential, but it is not enough to address the complex challenges that communities impacted by the war are facing. WCK is committed to providing hope beyond one plate of food at a time to meet Ukrainians’ unique needs.
When Kherson and its surrounding rural communities were liberated, the region had limited access to potable water. Russian forces sabotaged energy infrastructure, polluted wells, and destroyed water towers and barrels as they left the region, all while shelling continued.
“When we started delivering food, José Andrés made the immediate decision to include water as well,” said Yuliia, WCK’s local coordinator in Kherson. “Initially, water was delivered in various formats, including barrels placed in different parts of the city. However, due to the threat of shelling, water is now only delivered in individual bottles.”
Access to water is especially challenging in frontline communities. Some villages have been without electricity for months, and others still lack access to a centralized water supply. Over the past seven months, WCK has delivered nearly five million liters of water to people in need, including weekly bottled water deliveries in the Kherson region as part of our food kit distribution efforts.
Our team also delivers 3,500 bottles of water daily to different districts in Kherson that are experiencing severe water shortages. These deliveries offer comfort and hope to families that would otherwise be unsure of where they would get food or potable water.
Water is not the only staple that’s scarce as a result of the conflict. Fresh fruit and vegetables—critical components of a nourishing diet—are also hard to come by for many households. Since Russia’s invasion began more than a year ago, countless Ukrainians have been unable to grow any food in their home gardens—a common practice for more than half of all households before the war.
The plots where gardens would typically grow are barren and, at times, littered with mines.In addition, maintaining gardens can be costly and families lack the necessary resources to do so. Despite these challenges, many Ukrainians are determined to grow their own food.
To support these efforts, we are providing seed kits containing a variety of produce, including lettuce, zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, beets, dill, cucumber, peas, eggplant, and onions.
“Last week, we visited Bilohirka, where only one house remained intact after the conflict. Nevertheless, four families had returned and were living there,” said Katya, WCK’s local coordinator in Kryvyi Rih and the Kherson region. “They had returned to cultivate their gardens, which had been located right on the front line. They showed us how they had cleared their land of mines with their own hands to make it safe for planting. When we provided seeds to these people, they were thrilled and grateful for the support. It is heartwarming to see how much it means to people to be able to grow their own fresh vegetables.”
In total, WCK has distributed more than 126,000 seed kits throughout Ukraine.
It is heartwarming to see how much it means to people to be able to grow their own fresh vegetables.
Katya
Local coordinator in Kryvyi Rih and the Kherson region
Without basic necessities, many families are unable to mark major holidays like Easter—one of the most important celebrations in the country. People struggled to make traditional paska cakes this April, an Easter tradition, because they lacked access to resources and ingredients.
To help spread joy during the holiday, WCK teams distributed thousands of Easter cakes throughout Ukraine. This included 3,500 cakes for residents of formerly occupied communities in the Kharkiv region. The cakes provided a momentary respite from the ongoing conflict and lifted the spirits of families living in bomb shelters and damaged buildings. They knew our teams were there to support them.
An Easter cake from WCK is more than just a baked treat. It is a taste of home, warmth, and a forgotten feeling of joy.
Inna
Local Emergency Coordinator in Kharkiv
For many people in Ukraine, Easter cakes represent a connection to their cultural and religious traditions, as well as a reminder of the warmth and comfort of home.
WCK teams work tirelessly to ensure the support we offer is culturally appropriate and believe that every act of kindness can make a difference. We are committed to bringing hope and support to those who need it most, one meal, water bottle, seed packet, or Easter cake at a time.
Learn more about our #ChefsForUkraine response here. For real-time updates, follow WCK onTwitter,Instagram, andFacebook. You can support our work by making a donation here.
