Financing kitchen factories in Ukraine
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has started financing the construction of kitchen factories in Ukraine as part of recovery programs aimed at ensuring quality nutrition for schools and internally displaced persons (IDPs). These kitchen factories will operate using Cook&Chill technology, which preserves the taste and nutritional value of the dishes.
Currently, 335 recovery projects are being implemented in Ukraine, totaling nearly 585 million euros. The decision to include kitchen factories in support programs was made during the URC 2025 conference held in Rome. The construction of kitchen factories is recommended in five communities:
- Zaporizhzhia
- Lebedyn
- Vyshneve
- Vinnitsia
- Sheptytskyi
These communities are actively participating in the financing of projects, covering at least 20% of their costs.
It is important to note that project selection from 2024 will take place through an open competition in the DREAM system. The first kitchen factory in Ukraine was opened in 2023 in Bucha, marking a significant step towards ensuring quality nutrition for the population, especially in the face of modern challenges.
Opportunities for improving nutrition
Frontline territories, such as Zaporizhzhia and Lebedyn, as well as communities hosting IDPs, including Vyshneve and Vinnitsia, will receive new opportunities to improve nutrition. The western region, particularly Sheptytskyi, is also included in the development program. These initiatives aim to create a stable food system and support communities in times of crisis.
The implementation of kitchen factories in Ukraine is an important step in restoring infrastructure and improving social conditions, especially for vulnerable groups. Support from the EIB will not only contribute to ensuring quality nutrition but may also become the basis for local business development. Projects being implemented under this initiative aim to strengthen social stability in regions affected by military actions and economic difficulties.