Growing Chefs Society

Growing Chefs Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization registered under the business number 841127566RR0001, dedicated to educating children, families, and communities about healthy eating and sustainable food systems. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Society focuses on food literacy and systemic change toward healthy, sustainable, and just food practices.

Mission and Vision

The Society's mission is to connect chefs, kids, and communities to foster systemic change toward healthy, sustainable, and just food practices. Its vision is a world where food practices are healthy, just, and sustainable.

Programs and Activities

Growing Chefs Society delivers Edible Education programs that engage children from grades 1 to 12 in hands-on activities focusing on the entire food cycle—from planting seeds and growing food to cooking and composting. The programs are designed to teach food literacy through interactive lessons involving discussions, games, and culinary skills development.

One of its flagship initiatives is LunchLAB, a school meal program that provides students with barrier-free access to nourishing and culturally relevant lunches. These meals are prepared by students under the mentorship of a Chef-In-Residence, allowing youth to gain practical cooking experiences and a deeper connection to the food they consume.

The Society also supports classroom gardening and cooking programs led by trained chef and community volunteers, who mentor and empower students to explore growing and preparing their own food. These programs aim to increase accessibility to nutritious meals while fostering values such as dignity, delight, and belonging among children.

Impact and Community Involvement

Growing Chefs Society works closely with volunteers from the chef and restaurant industry to deliver food literacy education. The organization emphasizes food justice and uplifting the local food sector by encouraging young people to actively participate in the food system. Through its initiatives, kids experience firsthand the benefits of healthy eating and sustainable food practices, often leading to positive behavioral changes such as increased vegetable consumption.

The Society operates with a commitment to making nourishing and culturally relevant food accessible to all children, aiming to reduce food insecurity and promote systemic food system improvements.

Registration and Status

Growing Chefs Society is a registered charity recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and complies fully with regulatory requirements. Its charitable activities focus on food literacy and education to facilitate positive change in youth health and community food practices.

This summary reflects Growing Chefs Society's dedication to fostering food literacy and systemic food justice through education, engagement, and community-based programs in British Columbia and beyond.