Hungry For Life International facilitates direct engagement between churches and groups in Canada and communities around the world to address needless suffering. HFL has worked in Ukraine since 2004, helping groups engage in compassionate projects such as widow and orphan care, food programs, social assistance, and building projects. Hungry For Life's projects are primarily located in the eastern part of the country. Additionally, prior to the war, two HFL staff members, Chad and Mary Martz, were living in Zakarpattia, strategically close to the bordering countries of Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.
2022 - 2024 Impact Summary
Phase 1: Initial Response (Completed)
Hungry For Life mobilized local partners in western Ukraine to support thousands of refugees from the east and Kyiv. They provided essential supplies like food, bedding, and hygiene products to over 2,000 people. Ten churches in the Zakarpattia region hosted 100 refugees each, while another in central Ukraine accommodated 200 daily. Most supplies were sourced from local stores to meet immediate needs.
Phase 2: First Month (Completed)
HFL secured a warehouse in western Ukraine for distribution and another in central Ukraine, establishing a nationwide supply network with 25 distribution points. Chad and Mary Martz coordinated local food purchases and collaborated with EU partners to receive aid shipments. Over 200 tonnes of food and essentials were distributed across 30 communities through 120 trips. At $7.50 USD per person per day, 80,000 people received meals.
Phase 3: Six Weeks into War (Completed)
HFL expanded its distribution network, sourcing 200 tonnes of potatoes and 227,000 jars of canned meat to provide meals for 575,000 people. Refugee shelters were maintained, and fuel was secured for transportation.
Phase 4: 2022 to 2025 (Completed)
HFL provided 6 million pounds of food, installed three water wells, and supported IDPs and families of fallen soldiers with essential aid. Infrastructure projects included installing heating systems in churches, delivering critical medical supplies to hospitals, and constructing housing for displaced families. Additionally, HFL funded renovations for a retirement home, built a youth center offering shelter and education, and provided essential appliances like refrigerators and stoves to de-occupied areas, ensuring long-term stability for affected communities.
Proposed Response 2026
As the war in Ukraine continues, the challenges have shifted beyond immediate survival needs. While food and shelter remain priorities, addressing trauma and emotional distress is crucial. Hungry For Life is committed to meeting these evolving needs through several key initiatives.
Hosting groups
A multi-use facility with 8 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms was completed in 2025 and offers respite for ministry workers and volunteers operating in conflict zones. We will also host four-day retreats for families of fallen, missing, and captured soldiers, providing a space for healing and connection. We plan to host 20 groups in 2026.
Retreat home (2nd phase)
Completing the downstairs children's and storage room in addition to the remaining parts of the backyard.
Food, hygiene, and emergency supplies
HFL will continue supplying ministry partners an average of 17 tones of food monthly aiding IDPs and those in de-occupied or conflict zones. Hygiene and seasonal supplies will be provided to those who lost belongings during occupation.
Chaplain ministry
Volunteer chaplains travel once a month to provide spiritual and emotional support to front-line workers and medical staff located in stabilization centers.
Ministry partner support
Providing various levels of support for those caring for the needs of their communities.
