World Central Kitchen Has Served 300 Million Meals Ukraine

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A post shared by José Andrés (@chefjoseandres)

The organization World Central Kitchen (WCK) is at the frontlines of humanitarian, climate, and community crises to ensure that those affected can find nourishment and a warm meal. WCK has shown up in big ways over the years, including in Ukraine shortly after the Russian invasion in 2022. In fact, they have a team that’s still there today. Now, more than four years later, WCK hit a huge milestone by serving 300 million meals to people in Ukraine.

Chef José Andrés began WCK in 2010 after traveling to Haiti following a devastating earthquake. There, he cooked alongside the displaced families who found shelter in a camp. It was the start of his global mission to cook side-by-side with, and for, the people impacted by crises. When Russia invaded Ukraine, there was no question that WCK would be there to provide aid.

“When I think back to those freezing first days of our response at the border in 2022, we could not imagine how many meals we would serve…or how long the war would last,” Andrés writes on Instagram, reflecting on the 300 million meals served. “Behind every single meal is a WKC Ukrainian Food Fighter and the countless locals who help power our efforts—chefs, volunteers, firefighters, medics—who never stop showing up. Through blackouts, through sirens, through everything.”

Being able to serve people in times of crisis is why WCK keeps showing up. “They are the reason we adapt, keep cooking, and reach the people who need us most. This is an operation of Ukrainians for Ukrainians,” Andrés concludes. “They are the strongest, smartest people you could ever meet. With the biggest hearts.”

Ukraine is one place where WCK is offering relief. The organization also supports Palestinians in Gaza, those impacted by storms in Hawaii, and locals impacted by the current conflict in Lebanon. To learn more about where WCK is now, you can visit its relief page and support their efforts by making a donation on the WCK website.