Armenia is home to a unique Mediterranean diet of dishes, such as barbecued beef and lamb, baked dumplings known as manti, the traditional dolma — a food that's been around since the Ottoman empire — and, of course, delicious hummus. However, chef Rachael Ray’s recent trip to the country was not for its delicious foods.

The celebrity chef's first stop was in Ukraine to help out the organization Ukraine Friends, which supports displaced families from Russia's invasion. Before making her way back home to the US, Ray made her way to Armenia and shared her thoughts and reflections on social media.

In an emotional Instagram Story, Ray wrote, “I've always wanted to visit Armenia, but it feels especially meaningful to have come now.” She further explained that she encountered “many Russians who fled Russia and feared for the safety of family members who remained there” and that the trip “completes a circle in my experience.”

Ray's foundation donated 1,000 first aid kits to help support frontline workers in Ukraine, joining the likes of Jose Andrés of World Central Kitchen, Marc Murphy, and Jessica Seinfeld, who have all helped in Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, Tim Ma and Kevin Tien hosted a fundraiser in Washington, D.C. to help Andrés' nonprofit.