WASHINGTON, D.C. – World Central Kitchen (WCK) and the Embassy of Ukraine are proud to announce a special multi-sensory event, “Stories of Hope: Nourishing Resilience in Ukraine,” hosted as part of Passport DC’s Around the World Embassy Tour. This free, community-focused event will offer the public a unique opportunity to engage with WCK’s ongoing food relief efforts, experience Ukrainian culture, and hear firsthand accounts from the front lines. It is the first time since the beginning of the war that the Embassy of Ukraine will open its doors to the public during DC’s Around the World Embassy Tour.

The event will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Embassy of Ukraine (3350 M St. NW.)

Event Highlights Include:

• Fireside Chat (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): In a conversation with Her Excellency Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States of America, WCK CEO Javier Garcia and WCK Ukraine Activation Lead Yuliya Stefanyuk will share insights into the organization’s adaptable, locally-led emergency response and long-term sustainability programs in Ukraine.
• Borscht Tasting (12:00 PM): A WCK Chef Corps member will serve traditional Ukrainian borscht, utilizing food as a storytelling tool to connect guests with the resilience of the communities WCK serves. Please note that tastings are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are expected to run out.
• Immersive Tours: Guided tours of the WCK Rapid Response Mobile Kitchen (RRMK) truck parked onsite will be available.
• Traditional hand-made workshops, and Ukrainian music.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, WCK has mobilized a dedicated team of over 500 Ukrainians to provide nourishment and dignity to impacted families. What started as a single mobile kitchen quickly grew into a country-wide network, serving 300 million meals and expanding to sustainable support like installing community kitchens and distributing essential food kits.

Her Excellency Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States of America, says:

“We’re honored to host Passport DC at the Embassy, alongside World Central Kitchen. Today’s experience gives the opportunity to discover our culture and identity—rooted in freedom and love for our country—together with the warm, welcoming hospitality of the Ukrainian people.  World Central Kitchen has been at the forefront with Ukrainians from the first days of  this terrible war: their unwavering dedication has provided not only meals, but also solidarity and hope to our people.”. 

Yuliya Stefanyuk, WCK Ukraine Activation Lead, says: 

“Food is one of the ways Ukrainians hold onto home, even in the hardest moments. For WCK in Ukraine, a meal is never just a meal—it can be emergency support after a strike, a warm dish at an evacuation point, or a familiar bowl of borsch that reminds people they are not forgotten. We’re grateful to the Ukrainian Embassy for opening their doors so we can bring a part of that experience to Washington—sharing not only the food we serve on the ground, but the stories behind it. This work, built over more than four years, is ultimately about support, dignity, and hope—and we’re thankful to everyone who continues to stand with Ukraine.”

The “Stories of Hope” event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to join the conversation, taste the flavors of Ukraine, and learn how a simple meal can be an act of hope and defiance.

For more information or media enquiries, please contact:  

Roberta Alves, Director of Media Relations at ralves@worldcentralkitchen.org or +1 202.400.7483
Our full media team is reachable at press@wck.org