December 7, 2025: Cultural Food Traditions Project: Ukraine
Date: Sunday December 7th
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Lake Merritt Sailboat House
(*Please note that we have been informed that the elevator is not functioning, so the space is not universally accessible. There are approximately 20 steps up to the 2nd floor venue*)
Cost: Sliding scale: $110 (supporter level), $80 (general level), $50 (accessible level), but if you are inspired to come but $50 won’t work, please email slowfoodeastbay@gmail.com (no one turned away for lack of funds)
When countries experience on-the-ground violent conflict, every facet of culture is impacted, not least of all foodways. When people are displaced or communities destroyed, what becomes of generational food knowledge and practices? Of rituals and traditions that celebrate harvests or holidays? And what of agricultural land that is made uncultivable from toxic bombs or landmines, of crops destroyed, relegating a region food insecure? These effects ripple out infinitely, permanently changing these regions’ food landscape.
In order to explore these questions and also learn of how communities are reinvigorating food culture as they spread throughout the diaspora, please join us for the first of three gatherings of our “Countries in Conflict” Cultural Food Traditions Project series, featuring Ukraine and chef Anna Voloshyna.
Guests will enjoy a meal that is true to Ukrainian foodways today, and will learn directly from chef Anna about the history of Ukrainian food, the ways in which wars throughout history have changed how Ukrainians eat, and how today’s conflict is affecting the food system and culture.
Our partner nonprofit for the evening's donation is Bake for Ukraine, an organization working to keep the tradition of bread baking alive and flourishing in Ukraine. They raise funds to contribute to local food supplies during the war while also raising awareness about the importance of Ukraine as the “bread basket of Europe.”
Anna will sit in conversation with Laura Pauli, a chef and activist who first developed a relationship with Ukraine after volunteering with World Central Kitchen and now dedicates her time and energy to bringing attention to the plight of the Ukrainian people.
Slow Food East Bay’s Cultural Food Traditions Project series of events celebrates the cultural food traditions of immigrants, refugees and displaced people, learning how food helps people stay connected to homeland and also engage with new communities. Attendees will be inspired by stories from chefs and community organizations, learning how diversity and migration have helped in the development of our food system.... And, frankly, make it delicious!
As our political & social discourse gets ever more polarized, it becomes more and more important to have places where we can have meaningful connection, discovering inherent relations to one another. Join us for an evening of delicious food paired with just as delicious conversation, leaving with both your belly and mind full.
