On Saturday, September 20th, I’ll be at the Fort Mill Farmers Market baking for a cause that is very important to me. Alongside our regular menu, I’ll be offering two special Ukrainian breads: Palyanytsya and Darnitskiy.
We’ll be donating 50% of our bread sales that day to Bake for Ukraine, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Ukrainian bakeries secure the local food supply during the ongoing war.
Who is Bake for Ukraine?
Bake for Ukraine works directly with bakeries and farmers in some of the hardest-hit regions of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Butcha, Kherson, Odesa, and Kharkiv. Their work is practical and life-sustaining. They supply flour and ingredients, maintain equipment, pay bakers’ salaries, and even operate a mobile bakery in Odesa that continues to provide bread during power outages and delivers to front-line towns and villages. Their efforts are expanding to Mykolaiv and Dnipro, with plans to build a new bakery in Saltivka.
Recently, Bake for Ukraine lost a major sponsor, and the call has gone out for partner bakeries like ours to step in and help. On September 20th, our small contribution here in Fort Mill will join many others around the world to make sure families in Ukraine can continue to put bread on their tables.
Why This Matters
The war in Ukraine may feel far away, something we only see scrolling across newsfeeds, but it became more personal to me when I traveled to Poland last year. There I spoke with Polish locals who described the heartbreaking reality of Ukrainian families crossing the border with nothing but what they could carry. They shared how difficult it has been to watch families leave behind their homes, communities, and lives in search of safety. Those conversations have stayed with me, and they are the reason I feel called to use baking as a way to help.
This is not about politics. This is about people. No one should face hunger because of war.
About the Breads
Some of you may remember these loaves from previous bake days, and I’m so grateful for how warmly you received them. They sold out quickly, and many of you shared how much you enjoyed trying something new.
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Palyanytsya is often considered the national bread of Ukraine. It’s a mild, rustic loaf enriched with milk, butter, and a touch of sugar. The crumb is soft and slightly sweet, making it perfect alongside a meal or simply toasted with a bit of butter.
- Darnitskiy is a traditional rye bread made with a hearty mix of whole rye and wheat flours. Naturally leavened, it has a pleasant acidity, a rich flavor, and a beautiful dark crust. It’s a bread that feels both humble and substantial, a true staple.
Both loaves are sourdough-based, both are wonderful, and both are worth trying if you haven’t yet. This is a chance to expand your palate, enjoy something nourishing, and support people who need our help all at once.
An Invitation
If you’ve been curious about Ukrainian bread or if you simply want to do something small yet meaningful, I’d love for you to preorder one (or both) of these loaves for pickup at the Fort Mill Farmers Market on September 20. Pre-purchasing helps us plan ahead and ensures you don’t miss out, since these breads tend to sell quickly. You can preorder on our website beginning Sunday, September 14th.
And remember, it’s not just the Ukrainian breads that matter. Fifty percent of every loaf sold that day will go directly to Bake for Ukraine.
Thank you for standing with me in support of a cause that is so important to me. The Fort Mill community has shown me again and again how generous and compassionate it is, and I know together we can make a difference.
With gratitude,
Marcella