At Pastelito Sourdough Bakery, we’ve always believed in the power of baking to bring people together. This Sept/Oct, we’re using that power to support a cause close to our hearts — helping Ukrainian bakers who are working tirelessly to keep their local communities fed during an unimaginable crisis. In partnership with Bake for Ukraine and Bakers for Bakers, we are proud to announce a 3-week fundraiser to contribute to the ongoing humanitarian efforts. Our focus will be on a traditional Ukrainian bread called Palyanytsya, with 100% of the proceeds of the sale of that loaf going to support Ukrainian bakers with essential supplies.
The Story Behind Bake for Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine continues, many of the country’s essential resources have been disrupted, including food supplies. The courageous bakers of Ukraine have become unsung heroes, working under extraordinary pressure to ensure that their local communities have access to freshly baked goods, a critical aspect of maintaining some sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. However, these bakers are facing severe shortages of ingredients, equipment, and even the means to keep their ovens running.
This is where Bake for Ukraine comes in. The non-profit was established to provide Ukrainian bakers with the supplies they need to continue baking — not only as a means of sustenance but also as a symbol of resilience and unity. Through this organization, bakers around the world are lending a hand, and we at Pastelito Sourdough Bakery are honored to join this movement.
Recently they acquired 2 mobile bakeries that they are currently renovating. You can read all the details of the odyssey to bring them to a safe place to be able to get them back into working condition. It took a real team on a hunt and they triumphed! Now to fix them up so they can get put to use all over Ukraine.
What is Palyanytsya?
At the heart of our fundraiser is Palyanytsya, a traditional Ukrainian bread that has taken on a deeper cultural significance in recent months. Palyanytsya is a soft, round loaf with a distinctive golden crust, symbolizing warmth, nourishment, and community. In Ukrainian culture, bread is often seen as a token of hospitality, and Palyanytsya is no exception. It is a bread that welcomes, comforts, and sustains.
In times of war, when so many are displaced and struggling, the act of baking and sharing bread takes on an even more profound meaning. By baking and selling Palyanytsya at Pastelito Sourdough Bakery, we hope to raise awareness of the situation in Ukraine while helping bakers there continue their essential work.
How Our Fundraiser Works
From September 26th to October 12th, Pastelito Sourdough Bakery will be baking Palyanytsya loaves for both Thursday and Saturday bake days.. For every Palyanytsya loaf purchased during this time, 100% of the proceeds will be donated directly to Bake for Ukraine. These funds will be used to provide Ukrainian bakers with flour, yeast, and other necessary ingredients, as well as tools and equipment to help keep their bakeries operating.
The 6 bake days will be as follows and you can preorder here every Monday @ 6pm through Tuesday @ 9:00pm:
Thursday, September 26th
Saturday, September 28th
Thursday, October 3rd
Saturday, October 5th
Thursday, October 10th
Saturday, October 12th
Bakers for Bakers and Bake for Ukraine have already raised an incredible $40,000 for Bake for Ukraine through the collective efforts of bakers from all over the world. Together, we’re hoping to make a tangible impact on the ground in Ukraine.
Why Support Ukrainian Bakers?
You may wonder why we want to support a fundraiser that focuses on Ukrainian bakers. The truth is, food security plays a critical role in the resilience of any community, especially in times of war. Bakeries are often the backbone of local food systems, and in Ukraine, they have become an indispensable resource for families who can no longer access food through conventional means.
Plus, our very own Iryna came to us from Ukraine and she cares deeply for her homeland and we want to help give back together. She is a true gift to the bakery and is a hard worker. She has a natural talent for baking and has grown so much over the past 2.5 years that we have been working together. She still has friends and family living in Ukraine and it is a heavy weight on her and all displaced Ukrainians knowing that at any moment her town or neighborhood could be targeted.
By supporting Ukrainian bakers, we are contributing to the security of the local food supply. This is not just about bread — it’s about empowering communities, sustaining families, and offering hope in a time of darkness. Each loaf of Palyanytsya you purchase helps a baker in Ukraine continue their work, offering nourishment and solidarity to those most affected by the war.
How You Can Get Involved
There are several ways you can help support this initiative:
- Buy a Loaf of Palyanytsya: This is the most direct way to contribute. By purchasing one (or several) loaves of this delicious Ukrainian bread, you are helping us raise vital funds to send to Bake for Ukraine. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a slice of Ukrainian culture with each bite!
- Spread the Word: Share our fundraiser with your friends, family, and on social media. The more people who know about it, the more funds we can raise. Use the hashtag #BakeForUkraine and #BakersForBakers to join the global conversation.
- Donate Directly: If you would like to contribute beyond purchasing bread, we welcome direct donations to our venmo or zelle and we will pass along. Just put in the comment secion that its for the Ukraine Fundraiser. Or you can donate directly on their Paypal. Every dollar counts and will go toward supporting Ukrainian bakers and their efforts to keep local food supplies stable.
- Host a Bake Sale: If you’re a fellow baker or part of a community group, consider hosting your own bake sale with proceeds going to Bake for Ukraine. We’re happy to provide guidance on how to get involved and support the cause.
The Global Baking Community in Action
One of the most inspiring aspects of this fundraiser has been seeing the global baking community come together in support of Ukraine. Bakers from every corner of the world are donating their time, skills, and resources to help. From small neighborhood bakeries to large-scale operations, the response has been overwhelming. To date, over $180,000 has been raised, and we’re just getting started.
At Pastelito Sourdough Bakery, we believe that this fundraiser is about more than just raising money — it’s about standing in solidarity with our fellow bakers and doing what we can to make a difference in a time of crisis.
A Small Loaf, A Big Impact
As we prepare for the three week bake sale of Palyanytsya loaves, we’re filled with gratitude for our customers and community who continuously support us in our efforts to give back. By purchasing a loaf of Palyanytsya, you’re not only enjoying a piece of beautiful Ukrainian heritage but also contributing to a global effort to help those in need.
Join us at Pastelito Sourdough Bakery in making a meaningful impact through the simple act of breaking bread. Together, we can help Ukrainian bakers continue their vital work and ensure that, even in the darkest times, there is always hope rising in the oven.