Chef Sets Up Kitchens To Feed Hungry Ukrainians Fleeing The War

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, people have been fleeing the country and seeking safety elsewhere. According to NPR, over 1 million refugees have fled Ukraine so far, most of them heading to Poland, Hungary, Moldova and Slovakia.

Women and children are taking trains when possible to leave the country, but others are walking by foot to neighboring countries. Most are fleeing with nothing but the clothes on their backs and many are not sure where they’re going, how they’ll make money, or how they’ll feed their children.

It’s a terrible situation, but one chef and philanthropist José Andrés is doing his best to help. Andres started a non-profit, World Central Kitchen, back in 2010 after an earthquake devastated Haiti.

Photo: flickr/Richard Leeming

He knew he could cook good, warm food for people in need so he decided to do just that. Since 2010, Andres has been working with his organization to provide meals to communities in crisis.

For many refugees coming from Ukraine, meeting Andres is a glimmer of hope. He has kitchens set up near borders that refugees are crossing and women and children are welcomed into his kitchens and offered a delicious warm meal, sometimes the first warm meal they’ve had in days.

Photo: PXHERE

WCK is funded by donations from people and was also granted $100 million dollars from Jeff Bezos. On Twitter, Andres wrote:

“People of the World…Like you, I am distraught watching Ukraine under attack. We must come together as a force for good!
@WCKitchen is on Poland border delivering meals tonight—Romania soon. In addition to your donations…I am committing support from the Bezos award to Ukraine.”

https://twitter.com/chefjoseandres/status/1497344230230044677

In an interview with TODAY, he said, “Food cannot wait. People must eat today, not next week, not next month.”

WCK regularly shares updates on the work they’re doing on social media, and is especially active on Instagram. Check out some of their posts below:

You can support WCK’s work here or keep up with them on Instagram, @wckitchen.