Canada has come a long way since the onset of COVID-19, and while we still have a way to go before returning to any sense of normalcy, our country’s incredible hospitality community is continuing to make that journey a little easier for us all.
Whether it be through the redistribution of food to combat food insecurity, raising funds and awareness for inclusivity and equality, or supporting industry workers who are facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, Canada’s food and beverage community steps up when we need it most.
Here are just a few of the ways Canadian hospitality heavyweights are giving back.
Farmshare
Farmshare is an Ontario-based gourmet food delivery service born out of the desire to provide better quality foods to feed the less fortunate. In addition to offering a wide selection of locally-sourced meat, seafood, spices, and marinades, Farmshare is committed to donating one meal for every $10 spent to local organizations supporting GTA residents facing food insecurity.
Since launching in July, the Farmshare team has donated more than 12,000 meals to charity, and aims to reach their goal of 350,000 meals by the end of their first year.
Surplus Food Rescue Program
The latest charitable endeavour by the Surplus Food Rescue Program supports both vulnerable Canadians facing food insecurity and Canada’s fish and seafood industry. The program plans to purchase up to $15.5 million of surplus fish and seafood, which will then be distributed to families in need.
The purchase also goes toward bolstering Canada’s fish and seafood industry: Clearwater Seafoods will receive $1.49 million toward the purchase of surplus scallops, and Green Seafoods Ltd. will receive $55,230 to rescue 24,000 pounds of blue mussels.
Langley Environmental Partners Society
Langley Environmental Partners Society recently received a contribution through the Good Food Access Fund of $19,000 in grocery store gift cards, which will go toward the Langley School District Foundation.
The gift cards will be distributed in September to help provide emergency food relief to 650 Langley families in need.
Chef Antonio Park and the Montreal Restaurant Workers Relief Fund
Montreal chef Antonio Park recently teamed up with the Goal Initiatives Foundation and the Montreal Restaurant Workers Relief Fund to produce a free virtual cooking workshop. Although the workshop is free to attend, donations are encouraged to provide emergency economic assistance to employees of restaurants, bars, and cafes during COVID-19.
Centre for Sexuality Pride Brunch
Centre for Sexuality’s 8th annual Calgary Pride Brunch is taking place exclusively through take-out and delivery this year, featuring Eat Crow Snack Bar, Yellow Door Bistro, and The Coup. The three participating restaurants have curated special brunch menu options for pick up before taking part in the online event.
Centre for Sexuality’s virtual Pride Brunch takes place Saturday, September 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with proceeds from each restaurant going to support LGBTQ2S+ youth and Camp fYrefly initiatives.
Le Cheeseburger Week
Eateries across the country are getting ready to offer up their best burger creations as part of the ninth annual Le Burger Week. Taking place from September 1 to 7, this year’s iteration features a cheesy twist, with a portion of select burgers sold to be distributed to Centraide and United Way.
A list of participating restaurants can be found online.
26 Shirts
Shortly after the Toronto Blue Jays announced that they would play this year’s home games in Buffalo, 26 Shirts designed and released a line of Major League Buffalo apparel.
FeedMore WNY and Community Food Centres Canada will receive $8 from each shirt or cap purchased. Last week, 26 Shirts reported that they’ve now raised over $53,000.
