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 long-term 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.

 
 

FAQ

    1. Spread the word! Share your LunchLAB impact stories and photos with your community (or send to Growing Chefs to share).

    2. If your student attends a LunchLAB school, sign-up for the program! Revenue from the program is part of the sustainability of the model.

    3. Make a donation to ensure the program continues for years to come.

  • Registration at for our current participating schools opens mid-September. If you’re interested in chatting about LunchLAB at your school, please contact us at lunchlab@growingchefs.ca.

  • LunchLAB is funded by people like you, grants, and care-takers who buy meals for students.

    If you are able to financially support LunchLAB, we’d love your support. It’s the only way that this program will be able to continue for years to come. Donate today.

  • We offer sign ups throughout the year based on your school’s schedule. We do this to help make it easy for you to sign up and to help keep meals inexpensive. Unfortunately, if you miss a day of LunchLAB during the term, we are not able to offer a refund for a particular day.

  • At Lord Roberts
    Participating in the the LunchLAB Chef Team is a leadership opportunity as an extension of Edible Education. The opportunity to participate in Chef Team will be open to Grade 6 and 7 students through different times of the year. Mr. Brent will be talking to all students about when and how they can be involved.

    At John Norquay
    More information to come.

    At Total Education
    More information to come.

  • We know that many students have different dietary restrictions, allergies, and needs. While we are not able to accommodate specific dietary requirements, allergies, or requests, every LunchLAB will serve a vegetarian option and use low-risk allergenic foods. Your child/student will choose from a salad bar with multiple veggies, pickles, and toppings, as well as from one or two hot entrees. If they have a veggie that they do not like or are allergic to, they can avoid choosing that option. However, some mixing of items is to be expected. If your child/student has specific dietary restrictions or allergies, this program may not be the best fit at this time. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

  • While we’d love to serve everyone, we also know that we can only serve LunchLAB to those who have ordered online, or been in touch with us about their situation. This ensures that we keep kids safe, that we make the correct amount of food, and ensure that we can keep this program running for years to come. LunchLAB will only serve those students who have ordered online with us.

  • We’re currently working to expand our program and program model. We’d love to connect with you. Contact us!