WCK’s Ukraine Team supporting Kharkiv evacuees
World Central Kitchen is on the ground in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region supporting families amid an escalation of Russian attacks. An estimated 10,000 people from border and frontline communities have been displaced since May 10. WCK’s Emergency Response Team has been in the impacted region all week providing thousands of meals to families seeking safety.
This latest Russian advance is resulting in tragic loss of life and the destruction of critical infrastructure, leaving families without electricity and gas. Constant shelling is forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
Evacuation efforts are ongoing and our focus is on assisting residents from the most vulnerable settlements. Our team is on the ground in Kharkiv city and more remote communities in the region, meeting with evacuating families and providing thousands of warm meals, clean water, and steadfast support.
Our teams prepared for weeks in anticipation of escalating attacks. We secured an additional warehouse in Kharkiv and prepared food kits to meet increased needs. Because of this, we are meeting the needs of families in communities under attack.
The threat of attack has forced our teams to adapt quickly to ensure we can safely distribute food and water. Many evacuees are from the Vovchansk district where WCK normally delivers hundreds of meals regularly. However, due to shelling, we are now supporting families from the district at various evacuation transit points.
In addition to hot meals and drinks, our team has been offering emotional support to evacuees. Many people we encounter are in a state of shock, having lost their homes and loved ones. Our presence and the warm meals we provide help to reassure them that they are not alone and that there is hope, even in these darkest times.
Inna, WCK’s Regional Lead In Kharkiv, has been on the ground in impacted communities all week and says the areas most vulnerable populations are bearing the brunt of the attacks. “Most of the evacuees are people with limited mobility, seniors, families with small children,” Inna said. “While many people are in transit, a significant number are staying in shelters. Everyone is in absolute shock, struggling to figure out how to move forward, and psychologists are here to help them.”
Despite working nonstop for over a week, our Ukrainian-led team remains energized because they see our efforts are making a difference. “Our support, including hot meals and even a simple glass of warm tea, gives people hope and strength, letting them know they are not alone and are cared for. And right now, that’s the most important thing,” said Inna.
Our support, including hot meals and even a simple glass of warm tea, gives people hope and strength, letting them know they are not alone and are cared for.
Inna
WCK’s Regional Lead In Kharkiv
Evacuations have also begun in the Sumy region due to the threat of an offensive there and WCK’s teams are set up to support families in need. Our current focus is on both the Kharkiv and Sumy regions. At the same time, we are assessing needs in other regions where further escalation is likely.
While we have been working hard to support these emergency needs in Kharkiv and Sumy, our regular food kit and meal distributions are ongoing. We are offering regular support to communities around Ukraine even as we scale efforts to support newly evacuated families. Between both our regular distributions and emergency responses, we have served more than 234,000 meals this week.
Help us continue supporting families in Ukraine.
