Three Years of Adaptation and Impact in Ukraine
Three years ago, World Central Kitchen began supporting Ukrainians impacted by war—marking the first time WCK mobilized in response to an active conflict. What started as an emergency relief effort—serving hot meals to people fleeing the front lines—quickly evolved into a multifaceted response, adapting to meet the changing needs of communities across the country. When we reflect on the past three years working hand-in-hand with Ukrainian communities and partners, it’s clear that not only have we had an impact on Ukraine, but this community has made a lasting impact on WCK, our model, and our role in crisis response around the world.
Early Days: Emergency Relief on a Massive Scale
On February 24, 2022, life in Ukraine changed overnight. Explosions shook cities across the country, and millions of people were forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Families flooded into train stations and evacuation points. They didn’t know where to go next. In response, World Central Kitchen mobilized immediately.
In those early weeks, the priority was clear—ensure that everyone in need had access to a warm meal. We set up large-scale operations working with communities in Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and Slovakia, providing thousands of hot meals each day. These meals became a lifeline for people at evacuation points, train stations, and shelters. By the end of 2022, we had delivered over 42 million hot meals, working alongside local chefs, volunteers, and restaurant partners.
“On February 27th, when I got the call from the WCK team, looking for restaurants to prepare meals for displaced people, we were already cooking with what little we had left. Then, on March 1st, José arrived, and our work quickly scaled up—from small efforts to a network of over 500 restaurant partners across Ukraine,” said Yuliya, WCK Ukraine’s Response Director.
On March 1st, José arrived, and our work quickly scaled up—from small efforts to a network of over 500 restaurant partners across Ukraine.
Yuliya
Response Director, WCK Ukraine
Responding to New Needs with Frontline Support
As people were able to return to their towns, our response evolved. Hot meals remained critical, but we recognized the need for longer-term solutions. We began delivering food kits to communities in newly liberated areas where markets were inaccessible.
“When the de-occupation of the Kyiv region happened, we realized that people were completely without food. The team then created the first food packages by simply buying what was available on the ground, and distributing them in boxes to people who had spent months in occupation,” shared Yuliya. By July 2022, we had eight warehouses across Ukraine to scale-up.
With winter approaching, Russian attacks on energy and water systems left millions of Ukrainians without access to basic utilities. We collaborated with Ukrainian Railways to provide meals to passengers stranded at stations due to power outages and curfews. WCK teams distributed thousands of sandwiches, hot coffee, and tea to those forced to spend the night in freezing conditions.
As attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure escalated, WCK expanded our operations by creating a dedicated Emergency Response team to respond rapidly to missile strikes and civilian attacks. This new approach allowed us to act swiftly, delivering thousands of meals and distributing critical supplies in collaboration with local partners.
“This job has given me so much insight about myself and how food connects all of us. Delivering food to people from Sumy, I saw that it wasn’t just about nourishment—it was a step toward healing and hope,” said Anton, WCK’s Emergency Supervisor.
A Disaster within A Disaster: Responding Responding to Unprecedented Flooding
In June 2023, the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in the Kherson region caused catastrophic flooding, displacing thousands and leaving entire communities without access to necessities.
Julia, WCK’s Kherson and Mykolaiv Regional Lead, shared, “Many villages were flooded, and it was extremely difficult to reach people, but together with my team, we found boats and delivered food and water to those who had lost everything.”
Today’s Priorities: Supporting Local Agriculture and Kitchen Efforts
In addition to emergency food efforts, WCK launched a program to provide families with locally-sourced ingredients that reflect the culinary traditions of Ukraine. Recognizing the country’s deep agricultural roots, the program focuses on what people know and love—seasonal vegetables that are essential for preparing traditional dishes like borscht. Kateryna, Regional Lead in Kherson and Kryvyi Rih, explained, “WCK focused on the vegetable program because it’s oriented toward people’s needs first. The borscht kit reflects our culture—borscht isn’t just food; it’s a way of life.”
To promote long-term food security, WCK also distributes seeds, empowering families to grow their vegetables. This initiative not only helps restore access to fresh produce but also honors Ukraine’s farming heritage, encouraging self-reliance and resilience.
The ongoing displacement crisis also required WCK to pivot and expand again, establishing Community Kitchens in shelters. Designed to provide a warm, homemade meal to those forced to leave their homes, the kitchens also offer a sense of normalcy and belonging.
The initiative focuses on empowering local communities to take the lead, creating sustainable solutions while ensuring that displaced families have reliable access to nutritious meals. WCK is supporting these community-run kitchens by helping with construction, providing equipment, and teaching cooking skills.
Polina, WCK’s Culinary Lead in Ukraine, shared: “The idea behind a Community Kitchen is to create a sense of togetherness for people who are [displaced] from the frontlines of Ukraine. We want to give them the opportunity to build sustainability and provide access to hot meals, offering not just nourishment, but also a sense of community and support during these challenging times.”
Three years of adapting to Ukraine’s evolving crisis have shown the power of resilience and community. In our first-ever response within an active war zone, WCK has gone beyond delivering meals—the way that food connects cultures and economies means that this work also rebuilds lives and fosters hope. As we move forward, our commitment to supporting displaced families and empowering local communities remains stronger than ever, with a focus on long-term impact and solidarity. Together, we continue to navigate these challenges, ensuring that no one is left behind.
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