08/31/2026
In 2005, Chef Andrea Carlson, alongside Chef Gabe Meyer and Chef Merri Schwartz, piloted our very first classroom program at Champlain Heights Elementary 💚
We caught up with Andrea to hear about those early days, what inspired her to get involved, and what her connection with Growing Chefs has meant over the years.
For more than two decades, Growing Chefs has been helping kids connect to food—how it grows, how it’s prepared, and how it sustains us. What began with a handful of chefs volunteering in classrooms has grown into a leading voice for food literacy in BC, partnering with schools to give children hands-on opportunities to experience the whole food cycle, from seed to plate to compost. 🌱🥕🍎
And over the years, we’ve had plenty to celebrate, too! 🎉
Our signature kitchen party, From Farms to Forks, will be back on October 4! It’s a one-of-a-kind celebration of local food and drink from some of Vancouver’s most talented chefs (Andrea gives a special shout out to Claire from Livia and Tushar from Kavita 💞). This year, we’re raising the bar—and our fundraising goal—with a goal of raising $200,000 to support programs that provide nutritious food, learning, and connection to children, youth, and families across the Lower Mainland.
With your help, we know we can reach this goal—and surpass it!
🎟️ Get your tickets and join us in celebrating food, community, and 20+ years of Growing Chefs.
Early bird ends TONIGHT at midnight! This is your last chance to save 20% on tickets to From Farms to Forks–presented by RBC.
Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/.../tic.../from-farms-to-forks--2026-3
Cinematography by Bruno Martín del Campo
Music: Ketsa
