On 16 May, the Ukrainian Food Banks Federation (UFBF), an Associate Member of the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA), held a national press conference in Kyiv to mark Food Donor Day, highlighting the transformative power of food donation in uniting businesses, civil society, and government.
Hosted at the Ukrinform media centre, the event brought together around fifty participants both in person and online. Attendees included representatives from major and mid-sized enterprises, civil society organisations, and international partners, notably FEBA and the European Business Association (EBA).
Under the theme “Food donation is a force that unites business, society, and the state,” the conference underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in building a sustainable system for food redistribution in Ukraine. The UFBF showcased its achievements, shared insights into current challenges, and advocated for strengthening the culture of food donation across the country.
Among the keynote speakers were Dmytro Shkrabatovskyi, Chairman of the Board of UFBF; Bernard Valluis, President of the European Food Banks Federation; and Sofiia Vara, Project Manager at FEBA. Both Valluis and Vara joined the event virtually, sharing their perspectives on European trends in food assistance and reaffirming FEBA’s continued support for Ukraine’s food banking network.
Other speakers included:
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Tetiana Shyrochenko, Committee Manager at the European Business Association
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Liliia Tiahun, Lead External Communications Specialist at Carlsberg Group Ukraine
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Maryna Pavliuk, General Manager of Glovo Ukraine
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Oleh Bibikov, Chef, Public Activist, and CEO of the “Iskra Dobra” Charity Organisation
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Aliona Hrebenchukova, Development Director at UFBF
Their collective messages reinforced the shared responsibility to prevent food waste and ensure access to nutrition for vulnerable communities.
As the country continues to navigate complex humanitarian and economic challenges, initiatives like Food Donor Day serve as a powerful reminder of the role every sector can play in building a more inclusive and sustainable food system.
The European Food Banks Federation commends the Ukrainian Food Banks Federation for its unwavering commitment and leadership in mobilising food donors and strengthening food solidarity in Ukraine.
