In collaboration with Fresh Roots, we run LunchLAB: an innovative school meal program that serves students accessible, nourishing, culturally-relevant lunches prepared by students with the mentorship of a team of chefs-in-residence. LunchLAB empowers youth to cook food for themselves and their peers providing opportunities for kids to find delight, dignity, and belonging in their interactions with food.
Currently, LunchLAB operates at three Vancouver-based schools.
How does it work?
Student Chefs
At LunchLAB schools kids to prepare, cook, and serve food for themselves and their peers.
Our chefs-in-residence work with rotating cohorts of student chefs to prepare and serve meals for up to 200 of their peers.
The best part about it–when kids make it–they eat it. So what are you waiting for, let’s get ready for lunch!
Meal Service
LunchLAB increases access to barrier-free, nourishing, and culturally-relevant lunches.
Lunches change each day and menus are inspired by the communities we serve. Each meal includes a fresh salad bar and a hot item, whether that’s tacos, chickpea curry, palak paneer, ramen soup, or lasagna, it’s sure to be packed with delicious flavours and fresh veggies.
What's it cost?
LunchLAB provides barrier-free lunches. Once you enroll, lunch will be available for the entire semester.
We offer a sliding scale pay-what-you-can model to balance affordability for families and the longterm sustainability of LunchLAB. As part of the registration process, families decide what they can afford with opportunities to receive a subsidy or subsidize families in their community.
Get Invovled!
LunchLAB currently operates at three Vancouver-based schools and there are many ways to support this program and get involved.
registration
Registration opens mid-September.