In Kharkiv, volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross delivered hot meals prepared by the team of the Howard Buffett Foundation’s kitchen train to the most vulnerable people
After the massive Russian attack on Ukraine on March 22, 2024, Kharkiv and Kharkiv region were left without electricity, partially without heating and water supply, and without communication. Measures are still being taken to eliminate the consequences of the attack on the energy system. Over 200,000 consumers are currently without power.
In the morning, immediately after the shelling, the Food Train, the world’s first kitchen train of Ukrzaliznytsia and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, arrived in the city. The chefs of this unique train prepared about 5,000 meals for Kharkiv residents and those who especially needed support during the blackout.
Volunteers from the Kharkiv regional organization of the Ukrainian Red Cross helped deliver the meals from the train to places of compact residence where internally displaced persons are currently living, as well as to the people in the districts of Kharkiv that were most affected by shelling and were left without water, electricity, and heating.
It is worth noting that the train has already provided assistance to the city and the region. The train first arrived in Kharkiv in November 2023. Back then, the chefs fed the citizens and went to support the residents of Izium, the most devastated city in Kharkiv region. The 150-meter-long train is equipped with everything necessary for an autonomous kitchen to operate for 5-7 days. It is capable of cooking up to 10 thousand meals per day, including soups, cereals, salads, meat, etc.
After the massive shelling, volunteers from the Kharkiv regional organization of the Ukrainian Red Cross immediately began assisting the most vulnerable people.
They set up aid stations in all district organizations of the city offering hot tea, snacks, warmth, device charging facilities, and communication services. They continue to work actively, providing ongoing support to the community.
Additionally, social assistants from the Ukrainian Red Cross, involved in the “Home Care” activity, visited their clients – lonely elderly people and individuals with disabilities who require external assistance in their daily lives. They brought them hot lunches, shared news, and discussed the situation.
Furthermore, an operational center has been established to respond to changes in the situation and provide necessary assistance to people as required.
