Ukrainian food writer and olive contributor Olia Hercules and Russian food creative Alissa Timoshkina have joined up with Clerkenwell Boy and the team behind #CookForSyria (which raised over £1m for UNICEF) to create a food movement in support of Ukraine. All funds raised on the Just Giving page will be donated to UNICEF UK’s Ukraine appeal. As well as raising over £2 million so far, the movement is about creating a community of support in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and celebrating the country’s spirit, cuisine and culture.

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You can also listen to our Cook for Ukraine podcast in which we share ways you can support the #CookForUkraine initiative.


Olia Hercules

Olia was born in Ukraine and now lives and works in the UK as a chef, food writer and cookbook author. Olia is campaigning to remind people of the beauty of Ukraine’s cuisine and landscape – which she so beautifully spoke about on our podcast. She has been raising funds to directly send to her brother and fellow Ukrainians in Kyviv, as well as providing practical advice for her followers to support. Follow Olia’s story on Instagram.

Alissa Timoshkina

Alissa is a Russian London-based food creative, supper club host and cookbook author. Alissa has Ukrainian roots, like many Russians, and is helping lead the #CookForUkraine campaign. She says on the Just Giving page, “Let’s cook for peace, freedom, truth, common sense, rational thought and love.”

Alissa Timoshkina and Olia Hercules
Alissa (left) and Olia (right)

How to support #CookForUkraine

Below, we have highlighted the ways in which you can support and get involved in the movement.

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Join a Ukraine Hub event

Founders of the #CookForUkraine movement, Olia Hercules and Alissa Timoshkina, have launched a new initiative to provide free cookery classes and community events for Ukrainians refugees in London. Other members of the public can join the workshops and help to welcome Ukrainians and build communities through food. Upcoming events include Zuza Zak’s Baltic cuisine workshop, dumpling making skills with Olia Hercules and a Romanian cooking masterclass with Irina Georgescu. More information and tickets at ukrainehub.uk

Olia Hercules serving dishes on an outdoor table

Cook Ukrainian recipes

Experiment with Ukrainian and eastern European dishes at home, share your creations on social media with the hashtag #CookForUkraine and donate to the Just Giving page, then encourage your friends and family to follow suit. Take a look at Olia Hercules's recipes for inspiration, including cauliflower fritters with dill and garlic mayo.

Ukrainian cauliflower Fritters

Host a dinner party, supper club or bake sale

Host your own supper club or bake sale and ask your guests to donate to the Just Giving page. Take inspiration from Olia Hercules's explanation of diversity of Ukrainian cuisine and its most popular dishes. Share your events on social media with the hashtag #CookForUkraine to encourage others to get involved.

Buckwheat Tarts Recipe with Rice Pudding and Blackberries

Support other initiatives and buy products

Food and drink artisans are also pledging to the cause. Dima’s Ukrainian vodka is donating £5 from every bottle of its triple-grain Ukrainian vodka and vodka-infused cocktails (think fig martini, pickled gimlet and Kyviv's espresso martini).

A bottle of Dima's Vodka
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Find out more about the #CookForUkraine campaign and donate on the Just Giving page.

Authors

Alex Crossley Portrait
Alex CrossleyDigital Editor

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