Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, WCK teams have been on the ground each and every day, serving and caring for their neighbors. As the years have passed and the situation on the ground has changed, we’ve innovated and developed various different programs, ranging from seeds and greenhouses to stoves and kitchen renovations. Still, a lot has changed, and our response in Ukraine is our largest ever– to date, we’ve served over 300 million meals there. That’s why WCK Ukraine Response Director Yuliya took to Reddit to answer some of your questions about our work, the challenges we face, and the small moments of joy. Here’s what she shared.

How many meals do you serve a day? Is it a 7-day-a-week job? How close to the frontline does your staff serve?

Since January of this year, we’ve served an average of 42,000 meals per day. And yes, it’s absolutely a 7-day-a-week job!

We don’t set up kitchens near the frontline for the safety of our teams and the residents who live there. Instead, we supply them with the ingredients and tools they need to cook, which often includes ready-to-eat meals that don’t require any prep in case of an emergency.

What dishes do you make that can feed an army of hungry people while being the cheapest to serve?

Soup and sandwiches are some of the best options when we need to feed a large number of people quickly, affordably, and with something warm and filling. This is how we fed people at the beginning of the war, and again this past winter when there were cold temperatures and long power outages. And if you ask about our favorite dishes to cook for people in Ukraine, I would say borsch and bohrach. They’re comforting and very connected to our food traditions.

What do you like to do for fun to try and relax?

 I have many interests and hobbies—the only challenge is finding enough time to enjoy them! When I have free time, I love to travel, paint, do pottery, practice yoga, get massages, and spend time with my children. I also enjoy exploring art and, whenever possible, taking care of animals. For me, these little moments of creativity, connection, and relaxation are the best way to recharge.

Outside of helping with food, what other effective ways have you seen to help get involved? Are there any highly impactful ways that people commonly overlook?

 Help share our stories! Donating helps make our work possible, but so does making sure more people see what’s happening in Ukraine.

What do the Ukrainian people need? How can someone from another country support families in Ukraine?

We know that not all Ukrainian people need the same things. Some people need hot meals, but other people want to cook for themselves or grow their own food. That’s why we have projects like distributing seed kits, greenhouses, and even chickens for laying eggs. We have so many different types of projects like this for all sorts of different situations based on what people ask for. We’ve even renovated community kitchens where people cook for each other! One of the best ways to support this work is by donating here.

What’s the best kind of cheese?

Homemade cheese made by my grandmother. Sometimes it was sweet, sometimes salted, or flavored with herbs — but it always tasted of immeasurable love. 

Support our efforts in Ukraine