In Philadelphia, a Ukrainian grocery store nourishes with hope, community and inclusion
In Philadelphia, a Ukrainian grocery store nourishes with hope, community and inclusion
Wonder Foods owner Vira Lyakh with two Ukrainian refugees who are employees.
On the outskirts of Philadelphia, a grocery store specializing in Ukrainian and Eastern European foods has gone beyond its role as a local market to become a safe space for Ukrainian refugees navigating the tumultuous effects of war in their home country. Wonder Foods, founded over a decade ago by Vira Lyakh, an immigrant from Ukraine, started with the simple aspiration of introducing the surrounding communities to the vibrant Ukrainian cuisine and customs. Over the last two years, it has evolved into something much more profound.
"It started as a small shop with the idea of introducing Ukrainian cuisine to the American environment and sharing our culture, traditions and recipes," Vira recounts. "We began offering not only Ukrainian dishes but also traditional foods from other ethnic groups, such as American dishes for Thanksgiving." But amid the war in Ukraine, Wonder Foods became a lifeline for many refugees in the Philadelphia area.
Vira, the owner of Wonder Foods stands proudly in her second store.
With deep ties still binding her to her home country, Vira felt a need to make a difference. "Frequently, friends and acquaintances asked me for help or advice to help newly arrived Ukrainians," she empathizes. "I realized that if I couldn't assist in Ukraine due to my family being here, my mission should be to aid those who were forced to flee and needed help here."
Wonder Foods quickly formed a small community through word of mouth and social media, fostering a sense of belonging and home. It was also helping newly arrived refugees integrate into the wider community. With more than 6.2 million refugees from Ukraine worldwide, according to reporting by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the welcoming efforts of Wonder Foods is exemplary of the ways that small businesses in the United States are helping refugees navigate the complexities of a new country. "This environment provides security, eases their transition, encourages the expression of their talents," Vira says. "Here, they can speak their language, share their stories and receive timely understanding and guidance."
Ukrainian refugees employed at Wonder Foods find community and hope.
For Lillia, an employee at Wonder Foods and a refugee from the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast of Ukraine, Wonder Foods provided stability after a challenging journey to the United States. "Here, my employer and the entire team offer tremendous support and assistance. I discovered a new Ukrainian community and made friends with whom I feel at ease," she says. "My utmost hope, shared by all Ukrainians, is for the war in Ukraine to end soon, so that children in Ukraine and worldwide no longer hear the word 'war.'"
Marianna, another refugee from the Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast of Ukraine, also found a home at Wonder Foods. "During my first visit to a store as a customer, I greatly enjoyed the atmosphere; it felt like home. I was eager to work there, and Ms. Vira offered me a job," she says. "The war taught me that I can't control how long my life will be, but I can determine how bright and meaningful it can be." Marianna, with the help of Vira and the Wonder Foods community, started pursuing her education at a local college to become a dental assistant.
The war taught me that I can't control how long my life will be, but I can determine how bright and meaningful it can be.
Marianna, a Ukrainian refugee employed at Wonder Foods
Vira passionately believes that small businesses like Wonder Foods can play an essential role in welcoming refugees into their new communities. "I believe our store holds significance for refugees as it aids in their integration into the American environment, a new country with different cultures, languages and regulations," she reflects. "They deserve to live in decent conditions and simply to live without risking their lives due to war and military operations."
The safe space Wonder Foods has created is something of which Vira is extremely proud. "Here, in this environment in our store, they found their home," she says. "Whether aiding one person or a group of thirty to fifty people in need, I'm delighted to be a small part of their life journey."