Restaurants for Change is an annual event that sees proceeds from dinners sold donated to healthy food programs across the country.
This is the third year for the event in Calgary, and this year, 11 restaurants are participating. The money goes to support The Alex community food centre.
“When you come in and dine, all food proceeds will go directly to the CFCC, and from that point, CFCC will give half directly to our community,” said Glen Manzer, Creative Restaurants Group. “There was $260,000 raised last year.”
That money goes a long way to help deal with the issues of food insecurity, diet-related illness and an unsustainable food system that often wastes food. More than 90 good food organizations are supported through the event across Canada, with grants, program resources and training offered.
At the Alex, the chefs do their best to make sure access to good food is there for anyone who needs it.
“We have two amazing instructors, and they are full with all of their classes, everything from cooking for kids, kids in the kitchen, and they are learning to do a lot of fun stuff, as well as healthy on a budget, food fit,” said Jason Bineider, Community Chef, The Alex. “Everybody is having a really great time, they are learning a lot, the community is coming together, it’s been an amazing turnout so far.”
The Alex is grateful for the support to help feed Calgarians in need all year round.
“We plan to do dinners every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., and they we’ll do a lunch and dinner on Thursdays and Fridays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.” said Bineider.
Restaurants for Change is an easy and fun way for people to donate, and have a great meal at the same time.
“Why not? Just come have dinner, a glass of wine and a pizza or some spaghetti and meatballs or a nice steak at Bonterra, it’s easy,” said Manzer.
The Restaurants for Change event goes for only one day, October 19.
