FoodShare Toronto's Recipe for Change 2014

FoodShare’s Recipe for Change is one of those annual events that one can always feel good about. Emotionally, scenically, viscerally, philanthropically – Recipe for Change is a culinary experience that assembles 30 of the best chefs and 25 local beverage companies in Toronto for a great cause. Over 350 tickets (a new high) were sold for this year’s Recipe for Change, which took place last night in the North Building of the St. Lawrence Market.

Ham Hock Terrine with Homemade Branston Pickle & Quail's Egg (Table 17/Ascari Enoteca)

FoodShare Toronto is a local non-profit community organization that addresses the often-unarticulated issue of hunger in our communities. In Toronto we often focus on matters of food shortage, financial instability, and access to nutritional education in developing nations – a worthy topic of discussion and an area that needs desperate support – yet, we tend to overlook similar concerns at home.

Since 1985, FoodShare has effectively worked to empower individuals, families and communities across the GTA through food-based initiatives, while advocating for broader public policy changes. Taking a “field to table” approach to their education and outreach, their programs reach over 155,000 children and adults per month in Toronto.

Moroccan Inspired Cauliflower Soup w/ Crispy Chick Peas (Good Earth Food & Wine Co.)

FoodShare curates over 25 community-based programs through schools, urban greenhouses, markets and businesses. Programs like the Field to Table Schools Program, Fresh Produce Program for Schools, Community Kitchens, and FoodLink Hotline (among others) are specifically designed to facilitate empowerment, community development, awareness, and access for low-income individuals and families in Toronto.

The conversation among vendors such as Steffan Howard (Pegasus Group), Luis Valenzuela (Carmen), Jose Hadad (Frida Restaurant and Bar), and many others migrated towards the social and sustainable impact that food fosters in our city. Toronto is experiencing increased awareness about locality and seasonality, and a growing crop of engaged gastronomes. Events like these and organizations like FoodShare are becoming more tip-of-the-tongue around town.

Perfect Seafood Paella w/ Chorizo (Carmen) 

The success of an event like FoodShare’s Recipe for Change is a testament to the requirement for more affordable healthy food options for those in need. The benefit for the public in attendance is an evening of exceptional edibles and a dialogue that engages participants well past the plate.

For more information about FoodShare Toronto and their programs and services, visit them online and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

MORE PICS:

Tequila Caesars (Walter's Caesar)

Pulled Buschbeck Braised Lamp Slider w/ Spiced Mustard Glaze (Annona Restaurant @ Hyatt Hotel)

Chicken Arroz Caldo (Lamesa Filipino Kitchen)

Tofu-Avocado Gratin and Sweet Potato Mille-Feuille (Wind Up Bird Café)

Duck Tamele w/ Pork & White Beans (Valdez)

Sweet Potato Gnocci w/ Wild Boar Ragu (Le Select Bistro)

Crispy Acadian Style Frogs Legs w/ Paw Paw Cream, Pickled Milkweed (Pegasus Hospitality Group) 

Argentinian Lamb Meatball in Lasagna Shell (Lisa Marie/Fidel Gastro) 

Whole Wheat Scone w/ Goat Cheese & The Chefs' House Preserves (George Brown Chef School)

Mushroom Bao (My Little Dumplings)

Mixed Tilapia Ceviche (T.O. Ceviche Bar) 

Gulab Jamun (416 Snack Bar)

Citrus Financier w/ Chestnut Mousse & Coffee Nougatine (The Tempered Chef)