Start making your dinner reservations, because on October 18th you can dine out for Restaurants for Change, in support of Community Food Centres Canada. This year there are 92 participating restaurants in 19 cities across the country. They’re all coming together to donate proceeds from their dinner services to community food programs that advocate for all Canadians to have access to healthy food. Such programs include regional food centres such as The Alex Community Food Centre in Calgary, all the way out to the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre in Nova Scotia. No matter where in the country you live, you can dine out and do good on October 18th.

From coast to coast, participating restaurants include award-winning spots like Vancouver’s Farmer’s Apprentice, Calgary’s Deane House, Winnipeg’s deer + almond, Toronto’s Bar Isabel, Montreal’s Park, Halifax’s Agricola Street Brasserie, and Newfoundland’s Mallard Cottage. But with almost 100 participating restaurants, it’s best to check what restaurants are in your neighbourhood, because chances are, there will be one close by.

As chef Jamie Harling of the Deane House in Calgary puts it, “Restaurants for Change is an important event to be involved with because it is essential everyone has access to good, healthy food. Community Food Centres Canada not only provides that for thousands of people, but through places like The Alex Community Food Centre they provide access to community kitchens, community gardens, and an opportunity to learn better food skills, all the while providing a voice and an opportunity to be heard in food advocacy programs.”

Given all of the good that stems from supporting such organizations, on both an individual and community level, it’s easy to understand why chef Harling views it as one of the most important nights of the year.

Similarly, chef Renee Lavallee from The Canteen in Darmouth emphasizes the responsibility of chefs to take on the role of food educators, which is facilitated through involvement in events like Restaurants for Change.

“As a chef, I think it's our duty to be involved with such an organization. It's important for us to help educate those around us about food & cooking. Nothing makes me happier than being able to spend time at my local CFC, Dartmouth North CFC. My staff enjoy being there too. We are all looking forward to October 18th and are planning on having a very full house!” chef Lavallee exclaims.

So mark your calendar, make that reservation, and look forward to a great meal for an even greater cause, Restaurants for Change, on October 18th.