After launching in 2020 in response to the pandemic-fueled increase in both food insecurity and food waste, Quebec-based charity La Tablee des Chefs has organized what has since become the largest solidarity food preparation in the history of Canada. This week, the Calgary Stampede became the latest organization to join the cause by opening its kitchen to cook meals for distribution to food banks across the country.
Speaking of avoidable food waste, Love Food Hate Waste's Canadian faction recently launched a new campaign that identifies some of the most commonly-wasted food items and provides five unique ways with which to repurpose them.
Finally, a company in Halifax that plans to use recycled greenhouse gases to create an alternative protein for large-scale feedstock was the recipient of $2.6 million in funding this week, which the company hopes to use to expedite its expansion into the global aquaculture market–the world’s fastest-growing food sector.
Here are five stories you might have missed in food news this week.
Calgary Stampede joins La Tablee des Chefs’ Solidarity Kitchens Initiative
Last week, the Calgary Stampede joined a growing number of organizations across Canada that are opening up their kitchens to support Quebec-based charity La Tablee des Chefs and their ongoing Solidarity Kitchens Initiative.
The initiative aims to provide meals to Canadians in need by acquiring food donations from suppliers, farmers, restaurants, and hotels across the country that would otherwise go to waste. The campaign has since become the largest solidarity food preparation in the history of Canada, and is now hoping to cook and deliver more than two million servings to Canadian food banks in 2021.
Head to Global News for more.
Reusable takeout options on the rise
As the pandemic continues to push the prominence of takeout and delivery as the primary means of supporting local hospitality businesses, a number of Canadian restaurants have begun partnering with a selection of startups in an attempt to reduce waste by providing reusable takeout options.
Check out this article by CBC News to find a list of reusable takeout services in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.
Love Food Hate Waste Canada launches new campaign
Since its launch roughly one year ago, Love Food Hate Waste Canada has been working with businesses, governments, and community groups across the country to reduce avoidable food waste.
This week, the initiative launched the 5 Ways With campaign, which provides Canadians with a list of commonly-wasted food items, such as wilted lettuce, overripe bananas, and leftover pasta, along with five unique ways to repurpose each of them.
Find the full breakdown at Restobiz.
Halifax biotechnology company sets sights on global market
A Halifax company that aims to utilize greenhouse gases to cultivate aquaculture fish food recently acquired $2.6 million in funding from Canada’s Ocean Superculture innovation program.
Though still in its infancy, DeNova says that it plans to capture methane from flare gas in Alberta’s oil and gas industry and convert it into methanol. The methanol will then be used to grow microbes, which can then be dried into a protein powder that can be used as an ingredient in fish feed.
Read more about DeNova’s plans to enter the world’s fastest-growing food sector at CBC News.
City of Regina offers free compost to residents
In 2020, the City of Regina launched a 1-year pilot project for city officials to divert waste from landfills while gathering information and feedback regarding a potential citywide composting program.
This week, the City announced that it had reached its first “pile flip” and are now offering free compost to residents until May 10, while supplies last. City Administration is due to submit its pilot project report by the end of 2021, and if deemed successful, could lead to a new composting facility and green bins for Regina residents in 2023.
Visit CTV News for more information.
