СultFood
Changing the way we see food – changing the world.
Our team works daily to make healthy eating more accessible and appealing. It’s not just a trend - it’s the foundation of a healthier nation.
Yevhen Klopotenko
Ukrainian chef, creative entrepreneur, and public figure who has become the driving force behind Ukraine’s school nutrition reform.
His mission is to transform food culture in Ukraine and elevate the global recognition of Ukrainian cuisine. Every project he leads supports this goal, addressing different aspects of how Ukrainians eat - whether it’s what people cook at home, buy in stores, or enjoy in restaurants.
Since 2017, Yevhen has sparked irreversible changes in Ukraine’s culinary landscape by leveraging his public influence to create real societal impact. Through his non-profit organization Cult Food, he is modernizing nutrition in Ukrainian schools and driving reform in culinary vocational education, shaping the next generation of chefs and food professionals.
Food is the energy of life, love, and belief.I truly believe that through food, we can transform Ukraine and strengthen its voice on the global stage.
Our Work
Many people believe that healthy eating is expensive, complicated, or bland. In reality, it enhances quality of life, is both nutritious and affordable, and can be delicious. Through our initiatives, we prove that healthy eating can be simple, enjoyable, and available to everyone.
Our work focuses on:
• Interactive education;
• Transforming school and institutional meal programs;
• Training a new generation of educators and chefs.
We are modernizing vocational education in Ukraine to align with leading European standards. Beyond implementing new curricula and innovative teaching methods, we are reshaping the perception of vocational training, showing that it is a pathway to self-fulfillment and economic growth.
A healthy diet benefits not only the body but also the mind. That’s why we implement culinary therapy sessions, guided by professional psychologists, to help individuals cope with war-related trauma and navigate the psychological challenges brought on by ongoing aggression.
Ukrainian cuisine is not just a collection of dishes, but an essential part of cultural identity and collective memory. We systematize authentic recipes and traditional cooking methods, striving to preserve them in their original form for future generations. Within this initiative, we lay the foundation for the international representation of Ukrainian cuisine as an integral part of the world’s gastronomic heritage.
About Us
CultFood is a social initiative dedicated to transforming food culture in Ukraine. We rethink the way people approach food, introduce systemic changes in educational institutions, promote healthy eating, and set new standards for nutrition. Founded in 2017 by chef and food expert Yevhen Klopotenko, CultFood has grown into a movement of passionate individuals determined to shape a better future. We believe that a conscious approach to food should be the norm, not the exception. Through education, research, and policy-driven changes, we equip people with the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact.
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Our Partners
Frequently Asked Question
The new school menu was developed by Yevhen Klopotenko and a team of experts, with the support of First Lady Olena Zelenska and partner organizations. In 2021, the first collection included around 160 diverse recipes for school cafeterias. In 2024, an expanded edition featuring 621 recipes was published. The menu includes both modernized Ukrainian dishes and popular international meals, with over 80 lactose- and gluten-free options for children with special dietary needs.
No, the menu is not mandatory. It is provided as a recommended model. Each school or local community can design its own menu, as long as it follows the updated healthy nutrition standards. The key requirement is to meet nutritional guidelines — like limiting salt, sugar, and fats — while schools are free to choose their own recipes.
No, that’s a myth. These ingredients are not eliminated, but their quantities have been significantly reduced. Salt usage has been cut from 7 - 9g to just 1 - 1.5g per portion (only iodized salt is used). Sugar is reduced by half to about 7.5g per meal instead of 15 - 18g. Bread is still served - one slice (30–50g) of whole grain bread instead of two slices of white bread. These changes follow WHO recommendations and are designed to gradually help children adapt to less sugary and salty foods.
The updated recipes are designed to be more diverse and appealing, encouraging kids to enjoy healthy food without excess salt or sugar. Spices like turmeric, oregano, cumin, dried garlic, and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame) are added - all approved and completely safe for school-aged children. These ingredients enhance flavor and provide nutritional benefits. Less common grains and vegetables, such as bulgur, chickpeas, or broccoli, are introduced to enrich the menu and provide more vitamins. All spices and portions are within the safe limits tested by the O.M. Marzeiev Institute for Public Health of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.
Building healthy eating habits takes time. Initially, meals with reduced salt and sugar may seem bland to children, but they gradually adjust. School chefs work to make meals flavorful using spices and creative combinations. Parental support is essential - reducing salty and sugary snacks at home and including more fruits and vegetables helps reinforce these habits. When schools and families work together, children are more likely to enjoy healthy food and understand it's for their well-being.
Parents have the right to know what their children are being served at school. Parent self-governance bodies exist in schools, allowing representatives to join food quality committees. They can organize tastings, inspect kitchens, and discuss menus with staff (in line with health regulations). If there are serious concerns, parents should report them to the appropriate authorities.
Want to be part of the change?
Have ideas, want to collaborate, or support our mission? Reach out to us—together, we can achieve more!
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