Borsch and Beyond: How Vegetable Kits Are Bringing Comfort to Ukrainian Homes
From the destruction of farmland to the threat of airstrikes, the obstacles to growing food in Ukraine have become insurmountable for many residents. But through the efforts of World Central Kitchen, communities are finding hope and comfort in a simple but vital lifeline: fresh vegetables.
The drought in Ukraine has wreaked havoc on agriculture across the country. As Kateryna, WCK Regional Lead for Kryvyi Rih and Kherson, explained, “This summer was very difficult because there was no rain for more than four months. People could grow very little.”
The impact is especially harsh in the Kherson region, a traditionally agricultural area that has always been a key supplier of vegetables for the country. “The number of trading points has decreased by 80%, and the price of vegetables increases every year,” said Kateryna.
“Because of landmines and unexploded ordinance, people can’t safely plant or harvest crops. It’s not just the weather—they also have to worry about their safety.”
For some, especially families living on the frontlines or in border communities, the inability to grow their own food has become an overwhelming challenge. Our vegetable kits have become an essential resource for many. These kits provide people with the ingredients they need to prepare familiar, comforting dishes. “This set can be used to prepare our favorite Ukrainian dish—borsch,” said Kateryna. As we say in Ukraine, “Without borsch, a Ukrainian is hungry.”
The kits include potatoes, carrots, beets, garlic, and other essential ingredients. “When we first delivered vegetables, people were as happy as if they had received a gift,” Kyrylo, a Regional Lead for Zaporizhzhia, shared. “People started talking about what they planned to cook with the vegetables, sharing recipes, and inviting each other over.”
As we say in Ukraine, “Without borsch, a Ukrainian is hungry.”
Kateryna
Regional Lead for Kryvyi Rih and Kherson
In the Kharkiv region, the impact of the vegetable kits has a similar impact. Inna, Region Lead in this region, shared that distributing the kits in border communities, especially after fires and destruction, has brought immense relief. “People were crying when we gave them vegetable sets because they had never received such high-quality help,” she said.
For some, like Mariia, 64, the vegetable kits have allowed them to maintain a semblance of normalcy despite the difficult circumstances. “With these vegetables, I want to cook stewed cabbage with carrots and potatoes,” she said. “This simple flavor was always a part of our family kitchen. Now, in this temporary housing, I’m trying to create a sense of comfort.”
This simple flavor was always a part of our family kitchen. Now, in this temporary housing, I’m trying to create a sense of comfort.
Mariia
Resident of Kharkiv
The vegetable kits are more than just food—they represent a ray of hope in an otherwise bleak reality. Countless others who have received WCK’s support echoed this sentiment. The vegetable kits offer more than just nourishment—they offer dignity, care, and a reminder that, even in the most difficult of times, we care for our neighbors and food has the power to help us endure.
Help us support families in Ukraine.
