Elise, Charlotte, Chloe, Charles, Maddie, and Hayley, some of the young volunteers who participated in VFR’s 2024 Summer Kids and Youth Volunteer Program. Launched for its second summer season, the program ran from June 15th to September 15th. During this time, they were tasked with completing 10 food rescues over the summer months — and they did an amazing job!

Clarissa Dixon, VFR’s program coordinator for logistics and partnerships

Betty (Xu Yan), a master's student at UBC specializing in Food and Resource Economics, who is completing her master’s project with VFR this summer.

With a dedication to social justice, Anastasia has spent over 15 years advocating for change across various non-profits in the UK and Canada. Her journey into the Living Wage movement was inspired by her mother's experience as a Living Wage Employer, where discussions around fair compensation were a regular topic at the dinner table.

With over 23 years in Vancouver’s culinary scene, Chef TJ’s journey from executive chef to founding Ono Vancouver has been rooted in a commitment to community and sustainability. Read on to learn about the community meal program — supported Vancouver Food Runners! — that repurposes surplus food to serve over 130,000+ community meals to date.

Janet McDonnell, an exceptional lead volunteer who has completed over 125 food rescues since May 2022 Read on to discover what she has learned through volunteering with VFR and how she's passing on the spirit of community service to her grandchildren. We are so grateful to have volunteers like Janet, and couldn't be more appreciative of her commitment to fighting food waste and food insecurity in our community. 🎉 Thank you, Janet!

Sonia Strobel, CEO and co-founder of Skipper Otto, an innovative seafood subscription service that connects home cooks directly with independent fishing families in British Columbia. Sonia has been a passionate advocate for local food systems and social justice for over two decades. She is committed to building a more equitable and sustainable seafood system that supports small-scale, community-based fishing families, and Indigenous harvesters, while providing access to fresh, local seafood for all.

With excellent relationship-building skills and a passion for VFR’s mission, Adelyn is strengthening relationships with new and current food businesses and nonprofit partners — and helping to expand VFR’s program in the region.

Owen has been completing weekly food rescues since November 2023, delivering surplus baked goods from his family’s business, Moore’s Bakery, to the Vancouver Community Fridge in Kitsilano.

Influenced by a childhood surrounded by family, community, and a love for sharing good food, Karen leads her practice by sharing these values as a dietitian.

Jacob Beaton, an award-winning Indigenous entrepreneur and leader with a number of business successes under his belt.

Kapish is a Columbia College student and Community Connections practicum student with the Vancouver Food Justice Coalition (placement co-facilitated by Vancouver Food Runners).

Carla Pellegrini, Executive Director at Food Stash Foundation. Food Stash is another food recovery organization in Metro Vancouver and also operates direct community programs.

Anne-Marie Bonneau, blogger, zero-waste activist, and author of the award-winning cookbook, The Zero Waste Chef.

Vancouver Food Runners team members – Kelsey, Courtney, Michelle, and Adelyn – had the opportunity to attend this two-day conference filled with knowledge, learning, and collaboration.

Jessica Regan, the CEO and Co-founder of FoodMesh — a Vancouver-based B Corp that was launched to help businesses reduce food waste, redirect surplus to its best end use, and create shared value in society.

Operating 365 days a year, Gathering Place offers health, nutrition, social, cultural, and recreational services — with a focus on creating a welcoming and accessible environment for all individuals.