The full-scale war in Ukraine has caused widespread displacement and deepened humanitarian needs across Eastern Europe. The Republic of Moldova has been particularly affected, hosting over one million arrivals since 2022, while still supporting more than 100,000 refugees. At the same time, rising poverty rates and limited national resources have increased the vulnerability of both refugee and host communities.
In Ukraine, ongoing conflict, disrupted supply chains, and damaged agricultural land continue to drive acute food insecurity, especially in eastern and southern regions. In Romania, while large numbers of refugees have transited or settled, many - particularly in marginalized communities - struggle to meet basic needs, including access to food.
Vulnerable groups such as women-headed households, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and minority communities, including Roma and Jewish populations, face disproportionate barriers. These include systemic discrimination, limited access to services, and heightened risks of social exclusion, making food security an urgent and ongoing concern.
The project aims to improve food security and access to basic nutrition for vulnerable and conflict-affected populations in Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania. Through an integrated, multi-sectoral approach, the initiative combines food assistance, WASH services, protection measures, and capacity building to address both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term resilience.
Implemented through Refugee Accommodation Centres (RACs), community hubs, and mobile outreach, the project builds on OlamAid’s extensive regional experience and strong partnerships with local organizations. By leveraging community networks and culturally informed approaches, the project ensures inclusive, efficient, and needs-based support for refugees and marginalized host communities.
1. Food Security & Basic Needs
The project provides mobile food and water distributions to conflict-affected populations in eastern Ukraine and vulnerable refugee and host communities in Moldova and Romania. Food assistance includes essential food kits, hot meals, and cooking equipment for households with limited resources. Additional support is provided to schools and kindergartens hosting refugee and Roma children to ensure access to daily nutrition. Small-scale agricultural initiatives, such as community greenhouses, further promote sustainable food access.
2. WASH & Essential Services
Access to safe drinking water and basic hygiene is supported through water distributions and complementary WASH interventions in underserved and hard-to-reach areas. These efforts contribute to improved health conditions and dignity for affected populations.
3. Community Engagement & Inclusion
The project prioritizes outreach to marginalized groups, particularly Roma and Jewish communities, ensuring equitable access to food assistance and services. Community-based approaches foster trust, participation, and inclusion, while addressing discrimination and social exclusion.
4. Capacity Building & System Strengthening
Local organizations and volunteers receive regular training, supervision, and institutional support to enhance service delivery and sustainability. Capacity-building efforts strengthen local systems, improve coordination with authorities, and establish referral pathways to government and civil society services.
Improving food security and access to safe, nutritious food for vulnerable and conflict-affected populations
Promoting sustainable food systems and long-term resilience within communities
Ensuring equitable access to services for marginalized groups, including Roma and Jewish communities
Strengthening self-reliance and reducing dependency on emergency assistance
Enhancing local capacities and institutional development for sustainable service delivery
