This month, Growing Chefs was proudly featured in The Vancouver Guardian! Our Programs & Operations Manager, Dana Liem, shared what makes Growing Chefs so special and how people can get involved.
You can read the full interview and learn more about our mission here.
Our annual appreciation party for volunteers, donors and members of our Champion Radish club is coming up on June 4th. We're giving thanks to all the folks who support Growing Chefs by contributing the time, expertise, and funds that make our work possible.
Wednesday, June 4
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Lord Roberts Elementary
Here’s what we have planned for this year’s party:
-Taste what LunchLAB is all about with a delicious LunchLAB-style dinner
-Jams & Jellies 101 Presentation and tasting with Elizabeth from Epicure Preserves
-Ice cream from our friends at Earnest Ice Cream
-Prizes!
Registration:
If you are a Champion Radish Monthly Donor or a Volunteer, this event is for you! Volunteers and Champion Radish monthly donors are welcome to bring a guest—kids are more than welcome too! We ask that all attendees register in advance.
Special Thanks To:
The Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival raised $15,960.67 for Growing Chefs this year!
LOVE to those who bought a hot chocolate (or two). You supported a local business, raised funds for Growing Chefs and other awesome charities, and enjoyed a tasty hot chocolate. Thank you!
LOVE to the vendors. You knocked our socks off with your flavours, skill, kind words, and generous donations. Thank you!
LOVE to the Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival. You provide us with vital funding and the best reason to indulge in our favourite beverage. Thank you!
LOVE to our pals at Fresh to Families and all the charities that benefited from this year’s festival.
Thank You!
Artigiano - Shipyards/Edgemont
C Market Coffee (Pitt Meadows, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam)
Doughgirls Comfort Kitchen & Bakeshop
Patina Brewing Co Brewhouse & BBQ
Growing Chefs is hiring!
Do you want to support sustainable and just food practices? Build connections between kids and their food? Make local, sustainable food accessible? Engage communities through food? If yes, then this might be the place for you!
We are looking for our new Director, Communications & Engagement.
We’re looking for a passionate, creative, organized leader with a strong background in communications & philanthropy. The perfect candidate loves to collaborate, can work to a deadline, excels at managing a team, has fantastic and highly professional interpersonal skills, and strong writing facility.
Salary: $75,457.20 Annually (based on 35 hours/week)
Benefits: Health and dental plan (after 3 months employed); three weeks paid vacation + paid one-week summer shutdown per year + paid two-week winter shutdown per year; 12 paid personal wellness days per year (aka sick days); annual professional development funding; paid volunteer days.
Reports to: Growing Chefs Executive Director
Location: Lower Mainland; hybrid work environment with the expectation to frequent the office but freedom to also work from home. Will require regular travel to various locations throughout the Metro Vancouver region.
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible (flexible for the right candidate)
Position Summary:
Director, Communications & Engagement
Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director, Communications & Engagement directs the organization's communications strategy and engagement initiatives, leads the Communications & Engagement team, and advocates for food justice by cultivating a culture of philanthropy within the organization.
The position reports directly to the Executive Director. The Director, Communications & Engagement is responsible for:
Implementing the strategic plan alongside the Executive Director and Director, Programs & Operations
Overseeing People & Culture for the Communications & Engagement team
Donor prospecting, cultivation, and engagement
Grant prospecting, cultivation, and engagement
Communications and community engagement
Fundraising campaigns
Overseeing the development, delivery, and operations of Growing Chefs’ Communications & Engagement department
Fundraising
The Director of Communications & Engagement must be comfortable making ‘the ask’, and will work with the Engagement Team and Fundraising Committee to:
Foster an understanding of philanthropy within the organization
Develop operational fundraising goals, plans, and timelines
Ensure that critical fundraising processes, activities, and documentation are carried out in an effective, timely, and ethical manner
Strategize to meet fundraising goals
Diversify revenue sources to ensure long-term organizational sustainability with an emphasis on new, multi-year, and unrestricted funding
Improve existing fundraising cycle while coaching Communications & Engagement team to increase fundraising revenue from, but not limited to: corporate, foundation, community, third party, in-kind, and individual donations
Oversee the research, management, and submission of grant proposals and timely reporting
Monitor trends in fundraising strategies and tactics, and identify and cultivate new fundraising prospects and opportunities
Confirm gift acceptance in alignment with Growing Chefs values, mission, vision
Coach staff and board in donor cultivation and stewardship and guide the Fundraising Committee
Direct fundraising events and activities, and when necessary, oversee the involvement of third parties to ensure professional delivery of events
Donor Relations
Cultivate and steward relationships with individuals interested in planned giving, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, and other deferred giving options to ensure a robust pipeline of future support for the organization's mission
Serve as the organization’s relationship manager and main point of contact for donors and prospects; develop a coordinated strategy for specific donors/prospects and obtain internal buy-in, ensuring coordinated communication and engagement with that particular donor/prospect for a high level of service
Fundraising Administration
Direct administration and maintenance of the donor database (Salesforce) while ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of donor information
Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, fundraising budgets, receipts and expenditures related to fundraising, and the management of the fund development activities
Oversee and manage donation processing, deposit of cash and batch reports, gift receipting, and preparation of acknowledgement and stewardship letters
Monitor and ensure procedural compliance and regulatory compliance (with CRA), and ethical principles (according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals)
Communications
Develop and implement a communications plan with clear goals, targets, and strategies in alignment with Growing Chefs’ strategic plan
Lead the design and direction of effective and compelling story-telling of Growing Chefs’ mission and impact
Manage communications activities, project plans, and timelines to ensure that critical strategic communications activities are carried out in a timely manner
Direct and guide the writing and design of all fundraising campaigns and promotional materials
Lead the design, development, maintenance, and implementation of Growing Chefs branding guidelines
Finances
Develop annual Communications & Engagement expense budgets, twice annual re-forecasting, and regular reporting on budget to actuals
Manage accurate and up-to date deferred revenue to support organization-wide fiscal management
Develop organization-wide annual revenue budget with year-to-year comparison based on confirmed funding and accurate data-based projections in collaboration with the Executive Director and Director, Programs & Operations
People and Culture
Determine Communications & Engagement staffing requirements
Along with the ED, hire, recruit, and supervise Communications & Engagement programs staff and consultants, and discipline or terminate when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures
Provide stewardship and team building opportunities to the Communications & Engagement team to support relationship building and meaningful collaboration
Coach and guide Communications & Engagement staff to achieve operational goals, respond to emerging issues, and ensure excellence
Mentor, support, and guide Communications & Engagement staff in weekly one-on-one meetings
Facilitate weekly Communications & Engagement meetings as a way to strengthen collaboration and ensure team accountability to communications, development, and operational goals
Prioritizing Indigenous Applicants:
As we continue to grow our team to reflect the kids and youth in the school communities we serve, we are looking to prioritize applications from people who identify as Indigenous. We encourage you to self-identify in your application.
Growing Chefs operates on the land of the Coast Salish peoples, including the
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm
(Musqueam), W̱SÁNEĆ, Lək̓ʷəŋən, and Xwsepsum (Songhees and Esquimalt) Nations. As we work towards a world with healthy, just, sustainable food practices, we continue to learn and explore how to uplift Indigenous food and cultural values within our local food systems.
Growing Chefs is an equal opportunity employer and employs personnel without regard to racialization, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, physical and/or mental access needs, or financial ability.
To Apply:
Please apply here. Review of applications and interviews will begin on a rolling basis January 24, 2024. We anticipate that phase one of interviews will begin the week of January 27th.
Tell us about your connection to local food systems and food justice.
What was the most recent event you attended and enjoyed. What made it great? How would you plan it to be better?
What draws you to Growing Chefs?
Honorarium:
In recognition of the labour that goes into preparing for an interview, applicants selected for an interview will receive a $25 honorarium for their time.
Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2025
The Hot Chocolate Festival is back for its 15th season — bigger and sweeter than ever!
We’re grateful and excited to share that we’ve been selected as a charitable partner, alongside the incredible Vancouver Farmers Market’s Fresh to Families program, for the Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival 2025! The Festival is celebrating its 15th season with more locations and chocolate artisans than ever before. Last year, cafés and bakeries around Vancouver whipped up innovative and scrumptious drinks to participate in the festival, and generously donated over $20,000 in proceeds to support our work in the community.
Come brace the chilly winter from January 18th to February 14th and support the Growing Chefs and Fresh to Families communities with a cozy cocoa in hand.
Check out the list of participating restaurants and amazing flavours below.
Dear Friend,
Is it hot in here or is it just us? It’s time to Turnip the Heat! Every year, in November and December, we ask our donors and supporters to Turnip the Heat and contribute to our giving campaign. Let’s close out 2024 with a spicy sizzle! Your contribution, big or small, goes directly to helping us to educate kids, families, and their communities about local food systems.
Our edible education programs provide opportunities for kids to connect to nourishing food, feel dignity, delight, and belonging in their interactions with food, and to learn to grow and cook food like their chef mentors.
We know our programs change kids’ lives for the better. Kids with access to nourishing food and food education show better overall health, confidence, social connection, and academic success. In a nutshell: your gifts help kids access vital food literacy.
There’s more! Not only will your contributions help more kids access our programs, your donations will be matched up to $5,000 by our generous donor, Virginia Angus. Plus you’ll be entered to win peppery weekly prize draws! Hot sauce! Knives! Spicy recipes! And more.
Read on for heartwarming quotes about the powerful impact of our LunchLAB and Classroom Program on local kids, educators and families. And don’t be shy to spice things up and make a zesty donation today.
“It’s a very fun thing to do, especially when you’re with someone that you enjoy cooking with or that you’ve cooked with before. I think it’s a very homey and very nice way to bond with your friends or with your peers.
My favourite part of LunchLAB is sitting with my friends or classmates and just enjoying and savouring the food and talking about our days, even though some of us are in different classes.
People should donate to Growing Chefs and the LunchLAB program so that they can cook more fantastic and flavourful meals. Cooking in LunchLAB gave me a very happy and good environment to go to. ”
- Tia
Grade 7 Student Chef at LunchLAB
“LunchLAB is giving students a memory of what freshly prepared food tastes like, this is what I love about it - even if they don’t realize it right now, this will serve them throughout their whole life.”
-Deena Buckley
Principal at Norquay Elementary School
“Cooking and eating at LunchLAB is a special experience. There's a sense of excitement and pride as everyone comes together to prepare a nutritious meal. There's a shared sense of accomplishment and joy in the kitchen that extends to everyone involved.”
-Ebru Erdogan Varol
Parent of a LunchLAB Eater, LunchLAB Sous Chef
“Almost all of our students tried and loved the salad. Some don’t have access to this type of food at home so it was great to see them excited to try new veggies!"
-Teacher Participating in the Classroom Program
“Wren is unsure of most things, but she’s tried everything that the chefs have offered her. Last week, after finishing her salad, she licked her plate clean and said ‘Look! You don’t even have to wash my plate!”
-Teacher Participating in the Classroom Program
“The class loved making and tasting the Rainbow Stir Fry! They still talk about using a bear claw and not a duck bill to cut safely, and are so proud that they are teaching their families how to use safe knife skills at home.”
-Teacher Participating in the Classroom Program
All donations received or postmarked through December 31st, 2024 contribute to our $15,000 Turnip the Heat campaign goal (and donors will receive a 2024 charitable tax receipt).
To Donate
-Donate online through CanadaHelps
-Donations via e-transfer can be sent to accounts@growingchefs.ca.
-To donate by cheque please reach out to Afton Bell at 778-791-0789 or afton@growingchefs.ca.
Hi there! My name is Bontle Mokose, and I am thrilled to be joining the Growing Chefs team as the Interim Executive Director. It’s an honour to step into this role and continue the incredible work that Growing Chefs has been doing to connect chefs, kids, and communities, fostering systemic change toward healthy, sustainable, and just food practices.
Food has always been much more than just something to eat for me—it’s a tool to build community, teach important life skills, and inspire creativity. I grew up in South Africa, where family meals were at the centre of everything. My earliest memories are of cooking alongside my mom and grandmother, learning how to chop, stir, and—most importantly—taste-test everything from savory stews to sweet treats. These moments in the kitchen were about more than just food; they were about connection, learning, and creating something meaningful together.
Years ago, my aunty served as a director of Potatoes South Africa (PSA) , giving me a unique perspective on the journey food takes from farm to table. I have vivid memories of visiting potato farms with her, where I had the chance to learn about the entire process—from planting and harvesting to seeing how those potatoes made their way into homes and onto plates. These experiences deepened my understanding of where our food comes from and fueled my passion for supporting sustainable and ethical food systems.
Before joining Growing Chefs, I served as an executive director for a local nonprofit, where advocacy became second nature to me. I’ve developed a deep appreciation for how food can build relationships, promote healthy eating, and empower young people to make positive changes in their lives.
When I’m not working, you can usually find me exploring the outdoors, playing the piano, or trying new types of food. I love spending time with my friends and family, and I’m also an avid painter, which helps me stay grounded and creative.
I’m excited to bring my experience, passion, and energy to Growing Chefs, and I look forward to working with our incredible team and community to inspire the next generation of food lovers and leaders!
Volunteer Opportunity: Treasurer
Growing Chefs is looking for a Treasurer interested in joining our Board of Directors!
Do you want to support sustainable and just food practices? Build connections between kids and youth and their food? Make local, healthy food accessible? Connect communities through food? If yes, then this might be the opportunity for you!
Compensation: Unpaid Volunteer position
Contract Type: Volunteer, min 5-15 hours per month, term length: two years, up to three terms
Position Openings: We are currently looking for a Treasurer to join our Board of Directors
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
Position Summary:
Joining a board is a rewarding and challenging way to contribute to your community. Board members make lasting friendships, build professional relationships, and put their skills to good use. The Growing Chefs Board plays a crucial role in the strategic direction of the charity while ensuring that our mission is upheld and that we are accountable to the communities we serve. Members of the board have the legal duties of care, loyalty, and diligence; this means that Directors must exercise their fiduciary responsibilities in the best interests of the Society.
Responsibilities
● Supports the work of Growing Chefs
● Leads the finance committee
● Ensures current and acceptable financial practices are in place in the organization
● Works with the Executive Director to develop and monitor an annual operating budget
● Gives bi-monthly reports to the Board on the financial state of the organization
● Supervises annual financial statements and presents them to the annual general meeting
● Recommends audit when required and works with auditor as needed
● Supervises submission of charitable return and ensures other regulatory compliance is met
● Acts as a signing officer of the Board
Skills
Current knowledge of accounting practices for registered charities
Accounting designation
Planning ability
Strong communicator
Knowledge of board governance
Ability to analyze risks and recommend appropriate financial actions to the Board
Connected in community
Monthly Responsibilities:
➢ Attend bi-monthly board meetings
➢ Prepare for bi-monthly board meetings by reading relevant reports and reviewing the previous board meeting minutes
➢ Support Board/Co-Executive Directors/organizational activities
➢ Participate in committee work as needed
➢ Attend to e-communications between meetings, as required
Annual Responsibilities:
➢ Hire (as needed, support, and review Growing Chefs Executive Director’s performance.
➢ Participate actively in fundraising and make an annual donation to the charity (no minimum amount is mandated but Growing Chefs is proud to have a 100% giving Board of Directors).
➢ Ensure sound fiscal management.
➢ Participate in strategic planning and annual board work plans.
➢ Regular attendance and participation at meetings and other events
➢ Support the work of the Growing Chefs Society with your knowledge and skills in key areas, such as education, the food and restaurant industry, finance, legal, marketing, fundraising, strategic planning, policy development, management, human resources and advocacy.
➢ Review and adopt monthly financial reports and annual financial statements. ➢ Attend the Annual General Meeting.
Qualifications & Skills:
Don’t meet every single qualification and skill?
Studies have shown that equity-seeking groups are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single qualification in the posting. If you don't check every box and feel well suited to be on the board we strongly encourage you to apply.
Lived experience, knowledge of, and interest in topics related to healthy, just, sustainable food systems including but not limited to:
● growing food
● youth food literacy and education
● the restaurant industry and culinary arts
● food sovereignty
● decolonization
● local food systems
We are always looking to increase our engagement with, awareness of, and advocacy regarding food as it intersects with racialization, class, gender, ability, and other social structures and identities.
In addition, we are seeking individuals who possess:
● Self-reflexivity, compassion, authenticity, and openness to change.
● Experience working or volunteering in the non-profit sector.
● Passionate vision for a world with healthy, just, sustainable food systems.
● Willingness to learn about and work within anti-racist and anti-oppressive frameworks.
Role Requirements:
● 18+
Commitment to Equity:
Growing Chefs operates on the on the land of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), W̱SÁNEĆ, Lək̓ʷəŋən, and Xwsepsum (Songhees and Esquimalt) Nations. As we work towards a world with healthy, just, sustainable food practices, we continue to learn and explore how to uplift Indigenous food and cultural values within our local food systems.
We encourage applications from individuals from all communities including, but not limited to, those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, a Person of Colour, queer, neuro-divergent, differently abled, and anyone with lived experience of poverty or food insecurity.
We recognize that there exist significant barriers to participating in unpaid board work. If you would like to apply to the board but are concerned about barriers you may face, please reach out to governance@growingchefs.ca to discuss how we might support your participation.
To Apply:
Please send a statement of interest to governance@growingchefs.ca
Deadline: Open
Process for Appointment: Incoming board members are elected by the Society membersannually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Volunteer Opportunity: Directors at Large
Growing Chefs is looking for people interested in joining our Board of Directors!
Do you want to support sustainable and just food practices? Build connections between kids and youth and their food? Make local, healthy food accessible? Connect communities through food? If yes, then this might be the opportunity for you!
Compensation: Unpaid Volunteer position
Contract Type: Volunteer, min 6-8 hours per month (varies by position), term length: two years, up to three terms
Position Openings: We are currently looking for Directors at Large to join our Board of Directors
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible
Position Summary:
Joining a board is a rewarding and challenging way to contribute to your community. Board members make lasting friendships, build professional relationships, and put their skills to good use. The Growing Chefs Board plays a crucial role in the strategic direction of the charity while ensuring that our mission is upheld and that we are accountable to the communities we serve. Members of the board have the legal duties of care, loyalty, and diligence; this means that Directors must exercise their fiduciary responsibilities in the best interests of the Society.
Monthly Responsibilities:
➢ Attend bi-monthly board meetings
➢ Prepare for bi-monthly board meetings by reading relevant reports and reviewing the previous board meeting minutes
➢ Support Board/Co-Executive Directors/organizational activities
➢ Participate in committee work as needed
➢ Attend to e-communications between meetings, as required
Annual Responsibilities:
➢ Hire (as needed, support, and review Growing Chefs Executive Director’s performance.
➢ Participate actively in fundraising and make an annual donation to the charity (no minimum amount is mandated but Growing Chefs is proud to have a 100% giving Board of Directors).
➢ Ensure sound fiscal management.
➢ Participate in strategic planning and annual board work plans.
➢ Regular attendance and participation at meetings and other events
➢ Support the work of the Growing Chefs Society with your knowledge and skills in key areas, such as education, the food and restaurant industry, finance, legal, marketing, fundraising, strategic planning, policy development, management, human resources and advocacy.
➢ Review and adopt monthly financial reports and annual financial statements. ➢ Attend the Annual General Meeting.
Qualifications & Skills:
Don’t meet every single qualification and skill?
Studies have shown that equity-seeking groups are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single qualification in the posting. If you don't check every box and feel well suited to be on the board we strongly encourage you to apply.
Lived experience, knowledge of, and interest in topics related to healthy, just, sustainable food systems including but not limited to:
● growing food
● youth food literacy and education
● the restaurant industry and culinary arts
● food sovereignty
● decolonization
● local food systems
We are always looking to increase our engagement with, awareness of, and advocacy regarding food as it intersects with racialization, class, gender, ability, and other social structures and identities.
In addition, we are seeking individuals who possess:
● Self-reflexivity, compassion, authenticity, and openness to change.
● Experience working or volunteering in the non-profit sector.
● Passionate vision for a world with healthy, just, sustainable food systems.
● Willingness to learn about and work within anti-racist and anti-oppressive frameworks.
Role Requirements:
● 18+
Commitment to Equity:
Growing Chefs operates on the on the land of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), W̱SÁNEĆ, Lək̓ʷəŋən, and Xwsepsum (Songhees and Esquimalt) Nations. As we work towards a world with healthy, just, sustainable food practices, we continue to learn and explore how to uplift Indigenous food and cultural values within our local food systems.
We encourage applications from individuals from all communities including, but not limited to, those who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, a Person of Colour, queer, neuro-divergent, differently abled, and anyone with lived experience of poverty or food insecurity.
We recognize that there exist significant barriers to participating in unpaid board work. If you would like to apply to the board but are concerned about barriers you may face, please reach out to governance@growingchefs.ca to discuss how we might support your participation.
To Apply:
Please send a statement of interest to governance@growingchefs.ca
Deadline: Open
Process for Appointment: Incoming board members are elected by the Society membersannually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Growing Chefs is hiring!
Do you want to support sustainable and just food practices? Build connections between kids and their food? Make local, sustainable food accessible? Engage communities through food? If yes, then this might be the place for you!
LunchLAB is a program that is changing the narrative about lunch by empowering students to learn, cook, serve, and share food with their peers and school community. We use edible education to transform school food into meals that kids and youth want to eat – delicious, nourishing, and culturally-relevant food that brings students together to experience dignity and delight in their interaction with food.
We’re looking for someone who loves to collaborate, has experience putting out large volumes of food, enjoys working with kids, is creative and imaginative in the kitchen, and has a passion for nourishing food and supporting food literacy.
Position: Chef-in-Residence
Salary: $53,690 Annually (based on 35 hours/week), 1 year contract with the possibility of extension.
Benefits: Health and dental plan (after 3 months employed); three weeks paid vacation + paid one-week summer shutdown per year + paid two-week winter shutdown per year; 12 paid personal wellness days per year (aka sick days); annual professional development funding; paid volunteer days.
Location: Four to five days a week (9am-3pm) onsite in Vancouver schools (exact location TBD). Up to one day of computer admin weekly remote/in-office.
Anticipated Start Date: September 2024
Position Summary:
Your role will be mentor, educator, and chef. Each week, you’ll work with youth to teach them new skills, helping them understand the art and science of cooking and nutrition as well as the joy and celebration of connection to nourishing food.
Through day-to-day kitchen operations, meal planning, ordering, preparation, and service, the Chef-in-Residence, together with our Chef Educators, deliver engaging, non-stigmatizing, nourishing, and culturally-relevant meals that kids want to eat while providing embedded food literacy education and mentorship.
Chef-in-Residence positions are responsible for the day-to-day kitchen operations including meal planning, preparation, and service at their assigned LunchLAB location(s).
Responsibilities include:
Supports the Programs and Engagement Director to train chef teams.
Fosters positive work environment for staff and volunteers
Leads culinary and kitchen operations aspects of training process
Identifies knowledge and skills gaps on chef teams and develops training accordingly
Meal Prep and Service
Manages meal service for designated number of students at assigned LunchLAB school
Develops engaging, nourishing, and culturally-relevant menus for students
Collaborates to build supplier and vendor relationships that align with LunchLAB and Growing Chefs mission and policies
Manages supplier and vendor deliveries
Collaborates with admin team to manage budgets, feedback, processes and systems
Collaborates with Chef Educator and admin teams to develop and implement weekly food literacy skills curriculum into meal prep for student chefs
Manage School Kitchen
Collaborate to oversee chef team function and flow as it relates to kitchen operations
Designs and oversees program and procedure manuals and documents kitchen procedures
Supervises day-to-day maintenance and general upkeep of equipment and kitchenwares
Responsible for the safety and security of all those who participate in our programs (children, families, volunteers, staff) through policy implementation
Accountable for food procurement and meal service that meets program needs and aligns with Growing Chefs mission and policies
Ensures day-to-day operations have proper food storage and transport that follows FoodSafe procedures
Kitchen Leadership
Develops and manages a positive work environment for staff, volunteers, and student chefs
Ensures work environment, partnerships, ordering, and meals are mission and values aligned
Collaborates to lead and mentor student chefs in the kitchen
Collaborates to manage usage of school garden produce (if applicable), and supplier orders and deliveries
Leads stewardship of relationships with teachers, students, volunteers, and general school community
Collaborates with senior coordinator and school administration/teachers to structure service days in accordance with staggered lunches, shared kitchen space, and involvement of student chef/clean teams
Delivery of Growing Chefs Programs
Leads delivery of high quality programming in schools and in the community
Collaborates to deliver Community Eats SOYL summer program
Recommends improvements to efficiencies, impacts, complexities, and identified gaps in the program delivery model to executive team
Develops, improves, and leads delivery of edible education lesson plans and learning activities for GC programs
Leads program delivery alignment with GC mission, values, and policies
Supports Program Coordinator to oversee volunteer activities of the ground
Leads and oversees establishment of a positive and engaging program environment for all those participating
Promotion of Growing Chefs
Promotes program in culinary community and builds network of chef recruits
Assists with fundraising events and opportunities
Qualifications & Skills:
Extensive experience in kitchen management with strong supervision and leadership skills.
Passionate about food justice, local food and supporting a strong, local food system.
Comprehensive knowledge of culinary techniques in food production for large-volume kitchen operations.
Experience setting up and running your own kitchen.
Able to create diverse, culturally-relevant and nourishing kid-friendly menus.
Would be comfortable working outside of a traditional kitchen setting and willing to improvise and adapt when presented with challenges.
You succeed in a mentoring role and love helping kids learn alongside you.
High level of organization. This is a new program, with the opportunity to transform school food in Vancouver and beyond. You like to keep records and communicate frequently.
Comfortable and willing to perform ongoing administrative tasks.
Job Requirements:.
Minimum 3 years experience in a restaurant or catering kitchen or equivalent experience preparing and serving 100+ meals.
Must be available and able to work on-site at Vancouver schools
Must be legally authorised to work in Canada
Must be able to lift and move up to 30 pounds
FoodSafe Level 2 Certification (GC able to support acquiring)
The successful applicant will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check for working with children. Growing Chefs will cover the cost to obtain this check.
Asset but not required:
Valid BC drivers licence
Chef Red Seal certification
Growing Chefs operates on the on the land of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), W̱SÁNEĆ, Lək̓ʷəŋən, and Xwsepsum (Songhees and Esquimalt) Nations. As we work towards a world with healthy, just, sustainable food practices, we continue to learn and explore how to uplift Indigenous food and cultural values within our local food systems.
Growing Chefs is an equal opportunity employer and employs personnel without regard to racialization, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, physical and/or mental access needs, or financial ability.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and the completed questionnaire through the link below. Applications will be reviewed upon reception.
Next Steps:
You will receive confirmation via email that we have received your application.
Candidates selected to move on to the interview phase will be contacted to set up a date for an interview no later than two weeks after the selected application was received, ongoing until the position is filled. The first interviews will begin in early August.
In recognition of the labour that goes into preparing for an interview, applicants selected for an interview will receive a $25 honorarium for their time.
Final candidates will be asked to provide up-to-date references who will be consulted.
