The Coca-Cola Foundation allocated $300,000 in grant aid to implement a program to support the most affected agricultural households in Kharkiv and Kherson regions, the program was implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS).

"Households received in-kind and targeted financial assistance to restore their source of income from agricultural activities, which in most cases is the main source of income for families," the press release on the Coca-Cola Ukraine website says.

According to it, the program was implemented in the villages of Mospanove and Stara Hnylytsia of the Malynivka community and Hrakove of the Chkalovske community of Chuhuyiv district of Kharkiv region and the villages of Pervomaiske, Bila Krynytsia and Karyerne of the Velyka Oleksandrivka community of Beryslav district in Kherson region.

Households partially damaged or destroyed as a result of the war in Ukraine, with at least one able-bodied family member aged 18 to 65 years, as well as households that have owned a land plot suitable for agricultural activities for at least a year, were selected to receive grant support.

"For participation in the program, first of all, households with the largest number of vulnerability criteria were considered - which include persons over 65 years old, persons with disabilities of the first and/or second group, two or more minor children, low-income families, as well as those caring for orphans," the report says.

Households received a polycarbonate greenhouse or a walk-behind tractor with additional attachments from the URCS, and those who demonstrated successful use of the provided agricultural equipment also received additional financial assistance for the purchase of necessary consumables, such as seeds and protective nets for greenhouses.

"We understand that people need such assistance, thanks to which they will be able to maintain and develop their households, feed their families, earn money, thereby developing their localities and adjacent territories," said Carlos Pagoaga, President of the Coca-Cola Foundation.

URCS CEO Maksym Dotsenko added that the organization is committed to implementing long-term projects aimed at supporting people who want to restore their businesses, work and develop.

According to the release, in total, starting February 24, 2022, the Coca-Cola system of companies together with the Coca-Cola Foundation have committed to providing Ukrainians with charitable assistance in the amount of more than $35 million.

The Coca-Cola Foundation, the charitable arm of The Coca-Cola Company, was created in 1984. It is clarified that since that time the fund has transferred grant funds in the amount of more than $1.5 billion. They are aimed at ensuring continuous access to drinking water, combating global climate change and natural disasters, developing a circular economy and expanding economic opportunities, as well as solving problems related to communities where the company and its employees operate.