World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a non-profit organization that provides meals in humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés based on the premise, “When people are hungry, send in cooks,” WCK has responded to countless emergencies around the world since then, helping to feed millions of people in the midst of disasters and turmoil, providing food, comfort, and hope. A key component of their vision is working with local resources, including food suppliers, chefs, and restaurants, aiming to provide familiar and comforting meals to the people they are helping.
World Central Kitchen in Ukraine
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, WCK responded quickly. They started serving meals in neighboring Poland the next day, offering much-needed nourishment to refugees fleeing the violence. Within a week, they had set up teams at seven border crossings and were serving food around the clock, soon scaling up to tens of thousands of meals each day. In addition, WCK set up food distribution in Moldova, Germany, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia, working with local chefs and restaurants in each country to provide hope and sustenance to refugees far from home.
Within Ukraine itself, WCK was able to provide food supplies to local restaurants who could then cook and provide comforting food for their communities. Eventually, these restaurants were able to prepare 300,000 meals a day, handed out from 1000 distribution points across Ukraine, many within active combat zones. Their food saved countless lives and provided light in dark times.
On November 21, 2022 Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded José Andrés Ukraine’s Order of Merit in recognition of his work. The chef accepted the award on behalf of the thousands of Ukrainians who had helped to serve hot food to their communities, despite the danger.
Photos courtesy of WCK
World Central Kitchen in Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine
In Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine, author Janice Cohn tells the story of Artem and his mother who, like so many others, must flee the fighting in their own country and travel to neighboring Poland. There, they are met by Paolo, a volunteer with World Central Kitchen, who welcomes them and serves them familiar Ukrainian food, providing nourishment and a sense of safety. Paolo’s story is inspired by the true story of Paolo V. who traveled to Poland from the U.S. to volunteer with WCK. You can read about his experience here.
Illustration by Yana Holubiatnikova