Local chefs coming together this fall to support children and families in the Lower Mainland
Growing Chefs is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year with its signature From Farms to Forks event on Sunday, October 4th.
“Too many kids don’t know where food comes from or have access to nourishing, culturally relevant food and food education, and we’re on a mission to change that for the better,”
Presented by RBC, the event will once again take place at A-OK Café at Aritzia’s head office and is one of the most anticipated events on Vancouver’s culinary calendar.
Last year’s From Farms to Forks gala raised a record-breaking $177,552, and organizers for the 2026 event have set their sights on surpassing the $200K mark in funds raised this time around.
Funds raised will help support Growing Chefs programs that provide nutritious food, learning and connection for children, youth and families throughout the Lower Mainland.
“This is a one-of-a-kind celebration of local food, drink and our vibrant culinary community that we look forward to each and every year,” says Growing Chefs Founder and Chair Merri Schwartz. “It’s not only a night that helps us raise funds to continue our mission to connect chefs, kids and communities but also a night that feeds the soul and warms the heart.”
The all-star lineup of local chefs, bartenders and restaurateurs slated to take part in this year’s event includes:
- Nathan Lowey (Dosanko)
- Andrew Carlson (Burdock & Co.)
- Jiwon Seo (Dachi)
- Tushar Tondvalkar (Kavita)
- Amelie and Vincent Nguyen (Anh and Chi)
According to its most recent annual report, more than 1,800 students participated in a Growing Chefs program in 2025, with the organization visiting 52 classrooms and tallying more than 10,000 volunteer hours, with the organization also providing 33,150 meals to kids around the Lower Mainland.
“Too many kids don’t know where food comes from or have access to nourishing, culturally relevant food and food education, and we’re on a mission to change that for the better,” says Growing Chefs Executive Director Carol Neuman.
Local c ca to donate a product or service for the auction portion of the event.