Benefactors

Since 2008, the Canadian Culinary Federation – Edmonton—in cooperation with NAIT and Edmonton-area school boards—has hosted the High School Culinary Challenge, a unique event that aims to encourage students to pursue the culinary arts as a career, by introducing them to the exciting nature of competition and providing them with the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. More than 200 students have competed since the competition’s inception in 2008, and in 2014, the event will feature a record-setting 16 schools!

While training for the High School Culinary Challenge, participants have the opportunity to apply for one of three annual scholarships to attend a three-year Cook Apprenticeship Program. The scholarship covers the student’s tuition, uniforms, knives and course materials. Through the apprenticeship, each student has the chance to work under the mentorship of three of the top chefs in Edmonton. To date, 15 students have received full scholarships through the High School Culinary Challenge, thanks in part to generous support from allied businesses.

Our aim is to create an endowment fund and a program that can sustain itself while continuing to support students from high school into apprenticeship training.

Alberta Culinary Arts Foundation represents Alberta chefs and coordinates fundraising activities.

Edmonton Community Foundation exists to help the people of Edmonton and area by encouraging philanthropy and funding charitable activities. Through contributions from donors, the Foundation assembles and administers permanent pools of capital so the returns can be perpetually reinvested in our community. The Foundation complements and supports other charitable agencies.

The Grateful Palate Fund

The intent and purpose of the fund is to enhance the quality of life for those living in the greater Edmonton area who live in difficult circumstances, including but not limited to homelessness, poverty, hunger, illness, natural or manmade disaster or violence, with priority given to programs and organizations that assist people with acquiring and consuming nutritious food. Programs such as food banks, nutritious and/or community lunch and snack programs and provision of nutrition to seniors are all examples of activities that fall within the intent and purpose of the fund.