Back to Relief Efforts

WCK provides critical support to Ukrainians impacted by war

#ChefsForUkraine
Support Our EffortsUkraine, Poland, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, Spain, Germany | Active Since February 2022

In the early months of the invasion, WCK served millions of fresh meals to Ukrainian families caught between the choice of fleeing their homes or facing the ravages of war. Now, we are focused on supporting frontline communities in eastern and southern Ukraine where the need for food has become more urgent than ever. We are supporting Ukrainians the best way we know how: with a freshly prepared plate of food.

WCK's team in Ukraine constantly adapts to meet the needs of impacted families. With the support of a dedicated team of more than 500 Ukrainians, we are reaching cities in active conflict zones, recently liberated towns, and communities hosting displaced families. We’re providing hot meals, fresh bread, potable water, food kits, traditional vegetables, and cooking facilities across Ukraine. Our dedication now, remains as steadfast as it was the day we served our first hot meals to evacuees.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a large-scale military operation against Ukraine, triggering mass displacement and exposing civilians to relentless attacks. Millions of Ukrainians sought refuge within the country and abroad, facing immense challenges—including ongoing missile strikes, disrupted supply chains, and widespread food insecurity.

World Central Kitchen responded immediately, setting up at a 24-hour pedestrian border crossing in southern Poland to serve hot meals. Our efforts quickly expanded across Europe and into Ukraine, where we now deliver millions of meals directly to communities in need.

WCK's impact to date

  • 276+ millionMeals Served
  • 2+ milliongallons

    of water provided

  • 10.7+ millionFood & Vegetable Kits

    Distributed

  • 500+Emergency Responses

    at sites of attacks

  • 216,000+Seed Kits

    Distributed

3 years of
#ChefsForUkraine

In the third year of our Ukraine efforts, we are meeting the most pressing needs of families caught between the fighting in frontline communities. At the same time, our Emergency Response Team is working tirelessly to be at the sites of missile and drone attacks wherever they may happen, supporting impacted families and first responders.

Meet Yuliya, WCK's
Ukraine Response
Director

Yuliya has been with WCK since the start of the war, first working to coordinate meal production in Lviv and later, expanding operations across the country. Now, she is stepping into a leadership role with a focus on collaboration and strategic response planning.

Providing hope, one meal at a time

Every day, our teams prepare and deliver thousands of hot, nourishing meals to families living in areas under fire. These meals are often the only source of sustenance for people who have lost access to basic resources due to ongoing fighting. Explore the many ways our team supports Ukrainians need.

Spreading Joy

During key holidays like Easter or Christmas, WCK ensures families can celebrate with traditional meals, bringing warmth and a sense of normalcy during difficult times.

Local Partnerships

We partner with local restaurants and kitchens across Ukraine, empowering them to prepare meals for their own communities. This not only supports local economies but also helps sustain families in need.

Meet the restaurants feeding Ukrainians impacted by war

On the frontlines

Since our #ChefsForUkraine efforts began, our teams have supported families on the frontlines and in communities liberated from Russian occupation. With support from restaurant partners and our committed Ukraine team, we continued to provide meals and food kits for families living through unthinkable circumstances. Watch the videos below to see how our teams are reaching communities under constant threat of attack.