Kyiv, November 28, 2024 – A new social canteen was inaugurated today at Kyiv-Pasazhyrsky Central Station with the support of Italian Cooperation. The ceremony was attended by the Italian Consul in Ukraine, Stefano Moser, and representatives from AICS Kyiv. The facility, established within the framework of the emergency intervention project Humanitarian Assistance and Social Support for Displaced and Non-Displaced Populations in the Oblasts of Sumy, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv, and in the City of Kyiv, is implemented by Fondazione Progetto Arca in collaboration with local partner Remar Ukraine. It is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS Kyiv) and addresses the urgent needs of vulnerable communities affected by the war in Ukraine.
Located next to the central station, the multifunctional tent structure is visible and accessible to everyone, including a social canteen, a distribution area for essential goods, and a community center. By the end of the project, over 250 hot meals will be served daily, five days a week, amounting to more than 65,000 meals.
In a context marked by harsh winter conditions, increasing insecurity, and daily challenges, this canteen serves as a refuge for many internally displaced persons and those living in extreme hardship in Ukraine’s capital. It also functions as an Emergency Camp.
“This social canteen represents a piece of the mosaic of solidarity that Italy, through its Cooperation, is building with nearly 30 projects responding to the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people. Initiatives like this not only provide immediate assistance but also create spaces for support and care, which are crucial in addressing the consequences of the conflict and fostering recovery and resilience,” stated the Italian Ambassador to Ukraine, Carlo Formosa.
“The war has forced thousands to leave their homes, facing insecurity and precarious conditions. In this context, the social canteen is a vital example of tangible solidarity, offering not only food but also a space where people can feel welcomed and supported,” added Pietro Pipi, Director of AICS Kyiv.
Currently, over 27 projects funded by Italian Cooperation under the Emergency Initiative aim to reach more than 900,000 beneficiaries across Ukraine, including areas near the front line. These interventions, implemented by more than 100 civil society organizations – Italian, international, and local – provide concrete aid in key emergency response sectors, including health, protection, education, emergency relief, distributions, transportation, WASH, and humanitarian demining.
For more information:
Barbara Taccone, Communication Officer, AICS Kyiv
barbara.taccone@aics.gov.it
A Scoial Canteen for Kyiv di BARBARA TACCONE