What is #CookForUkraine and how can you get involved?

Fiona Logan

Former digital editor Fiona (aka Fee). She’s a qualified patisserie chef and loves to bake for others in her spare time.

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If you’re feeling helpless during the unfolding of the Ukraine crisis or you’re unsure what you can do to help those in need, #CookForUkraine is a new charity campaign with food at its heart.

In response to the dire situation in Ukraine, three inspirational chefs, Olia Hercules, Alissa Timoshkina and Zuza Zak, alongside social media star Clerkenwell Boy, are using their voices to encourage people to bake, host supper clubs and dine at participating restaurants. Doing so will help raise awareness of the situation and generate vital funds – all donations will go via UNICEF to Ukrainian people who need it. The campaign also aims to shine a light on the history of Ukrainian food, so we can all learn and appreciate a little bit more about the country’s rich culture and wonderful food.

What is #CookForUkraine?

As soon as the war on Ukraine began to break out, a group of friends had an idea that could help people. Within a week of its inception, that idea turned into a global campaign. Celebrity chefs, restaurants and people from all walks of life are now baking, cooking, eating and sharing Ukrainian and Eastern European food and recipes, with a shared goal of raising funds for those in desperate need.

The campaign was co-founded by Instagram sensation @clerkenwellboy who a few years ago co-founded the #CookForSyria campaign, which went on to raise over £1m for charity.

#CookForUkraine is a powerful reminder that food has a wonderful way of connecting people in times of trouble. The movement has already generated over £50,000 in donations in its first week alone, but they need your help to continue spreading the word…

“Ukraine is such a fascinating country that not everybody knew about before this, full of rolling fields and people who love to cook the recipes their grandparents taught them. But it is absolutely urgent that we act now, before too much is lost.” - Olia Hercules

How to get involved in #CookForUkraine

Host a bake sale or supper club
Don your apron and get into the kitchen… Host your own pop-up, bake sale or charity supper club and share some home-cooked food with friends, while raising vital funds for UNICEF. Discover a whole host of Ukrainian and Eastern European recipes, such as Olia Hercules’ apple cake or Alissa Timoshkina’s borsch, at the #CookForUkraine JustGiving page.

Discover many more recipes that you can make here.

Dine out at participating restaurants
Hundreds of restaurants, hotels, cafés and bars across the UK are now involved in the campaign – the likes of Big Mamma Group, Soho House and Ottolenghi, to name just a few. For a full list of participating restaurants head here. Voluntary donations can be added to your food bill or you can order specific menu items with proceeds going towards the JustGiving fund. Each venue will vary, so be sure to ask how to donate when you dine.
If you’re the owner of a restaurant or café, you can also get involved. Simply head here for more information on how you can offer support.

Donate
Give whatever you can to help this worthy cause. Donations can be made through the JustGiving page, with proceeds being sent directly to UNICEF UK’s Ukraine appeal, supporting displaced children and families.

Share your voice and your support on social media
Use the powerful tool of social media to share information around the #CookForUkraine campaign. Post pictures from your bake sales or supper clubs, or tag participating restaurants into your posts whenever you dine with them. Make sure to use the hashtag #CookForUkraine with your stories or posts, to ensure the word can spread as far and wide as possible.