At CitySeed, we have watched the invasion of Ukraine unfold with deep concern and sadness. We know that these events impact families and communities around the world, including members of CitySeed’s team who are members of the Ukrainian diaspora and who come from other countries impacted by Russian occupation. We also know that the food system is global – Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe, with one third the global wheat supply and one third the world’s most fertile soil. Attacks on Ukraine will have ripple effects on food security around the world and at home.
We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, those facing racism and hostility as they try to flee, the local Ukrainian community in New Haven, and their loved ones around the world.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Donate to World Central Kitchen to provide meals directly to people on the frontlines and communities that have been impacted and displaced in Ukraine and in Poland. “There are many ways to fight. Some people fight making sure people are fed.” -WCK founder José Andrés
- Support IRIS so New Haven can welcome refugee families from Ukraine and around the world. While it may take a year or more before Ukrainian refugees are eligible for resettlement in the US or another UN member country, IRIS stands ready to welcome them. When the time comes, Sanctuary Kitchen will work closely with our partners at IRIS to support those arriving from Ukraine and welcoming them to the Sanctuary Kitchen community.
- Stay informed and stay connected. The news cycle can be overwhelming. The links in our bio are articles and resources that the CitySeed team has found to be informative, helpful, or hopeful.
- Organizations Providing Relief in Ukraine [Food Tank]
- Hundreds Rally, Sing, Pray In Support of Ukraine [New Haven Arts]
- Response to crisis in Ukraine proves racism prevails, even in times of war. [Mercy Quaye, CT Mirror]
- What the Russian invasion of Ukraine could mean for global hunger. [Vox]
- Ukraine War is Exposing Racial Disparities in Refugee Treatment [Trevor Noah]
- The Field Report: What the Invasion of Ukraine Means for the Food Supply [Civil Eats]