Food brings people together. The act of breaking bread with others nourishes not only our bodies but creates shared experiences and opportunities to foster meaningful connections.
Carya’s food programming is a place for community, connection, and well-being where participants can come together, learn, and thrive. Through our range of food programming, we address the importance of social connections, educate individuals about nutrition and healthy eating, and foster culinary skill development. We believe that everyone should have access to the knowledge and resources needed to make informed choices about their well-being.
Our programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, offering no-cost drop-in and registered opportunities.
Community Meals and Social Gathering
Community meal programs play a pivotal role in fostering social cohesion, enhancing support networks, and promoting overall well-being within neighbourhoods. By providing a space where individuals can gather, share a meal, and connect with one another, these initiatives contribute significantly to the fabric of Calgary and The East Village.
Upcoming Community Drop-In Opportunities
Chow and Chatter
Come and connect at Chow and Chatter! It is a monthly community meal with fun activities and entertainment, and it is a great opportunity to meet your neighbour or a new friend. All food is made on-site from scratch by Chef Chris Grosse and volunteers from the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Society (CIWA). Chow and Chatter is for older adults (55+).
Upcoming Chow and Chatter:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Village Commons – 610 8 Ave SE
Chow and Chatter is a drop-in ticketed event, meaning securing your spot for the free community meal works on a first-come, first-served basis.
For information on how to get your ticket or about Chow and Chatter, please contact 403-536-6558 or email AdminVC@CaryaCalgary.ca.
Bread Market
Join us at Village Commons on the second Wednesday of each month from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (or until supplies last) for a selection of freshly baked breads, buns, and sweet treats from local Calgary bakeries. This is a first-come, first-served event, and no registration is required. We are proud to work in partnership with Unison at Kerby Centre to deliver our monthly bread market at no cost to participants.
When: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Ave SE
Registered Culinary Demonstration Programs
By focusing on accessible, affordable, and nutritious cooking, these programs empower individuals to make informed dietary choices. From learning basic cooking techniques to understanding the nutritional value of ingredients, Carya’s culinary demonstration programs aim to help individuals develop the confidence and knowledge necessary to prepare healthy meals for themselves and their families.
Upcoming Program Dates and Times
For more information or to register, contact AdminVC@CaryaCalgary.ca or call 403-536-6558.
Kitchen Connects
Kitchen Connects, led by a professional chef, is dedicated to empowering lower-income individuals by teaching essential life skills like cooking, food preparation, and budgeting. Join Carya’s Chef Chris for two engaging demonstrations on how to create recipes designed to help lower cholesterol.
Dates: Wednesday, April 23 and 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Ave SE
For more information or to register, contact AdminVC@CaryaCalgary.ca or call 403-536-6558.
Culinary Showcase – A Taste of Macau
Carya’s Culinary Showcase invites you to explore the unique flavors of Macau with Jessica Lee. Join us as she shares one of Macau’s famous dishes, Macanese Chicken, a true Macanese creation.
As she guides you through its preparation, you will discover the rich cultural influences that make this dish so special. And for a fun twist, with Jessica’s background as a chemist, you will get a glimpse into the science behind the flavours. Of course, no showcase would be complete without a taste. Come savor a dish that brings a little bit of Macau to your table.
Dates: Friday, April 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Village Commons – 610 8 Ave SE
For more information or to register, contact AdminVC@CaryaCalgary.ca or call 403-536-6558.
Are you passionate about food, cooking, and sharing knowledge? Carya’s Culinary Showcase is looking for individuals who want to make an impact by leading engaging culinary workshops and demonstrations. Whether you’re a professional chef, a skilled home cook, or someone with a deep appreciation for food, we want to hear from you!
If you or someone you know is interested in leading a demonstration or working with Chef Chris, Supervisor of Culinary and Event Curation, please email ChrisG@CaryaCalgary.ca.
Culinary Skill Development Programs
Carya’s culinary skill development programs go beyond honing skills, emphasizing passion and creativity and fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging among participants. These initiatives aim to build stronger communities by nurturing talent and positive relationships with food. Accessible, no-cost training opportunities are provided to individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a curriculum covering culinary techniques, theory, and practical kitchen experience, including foundational skills like knife handling and food safety. Modules on nutrition, cultural cuisines, and sustainable cooking practices promote holistic learning and empower individuals to cook for themselves more often, overcoming barriers through practical life skills education.
Upcoming Culinary Skill Development Programs
Whisk to Wellness
Whisk to Wellness is an introduction to healthy cooking, including cooking with whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based cooking. Each program consists of three sessions. While this program is open to everyone, it is tailored towards adults 18+ and older adults (55+).
Each session runs from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Village Commons.
Part 1: Monday, May 5, 2025
Part 2: Monday, May 12, 2025
Part 3: Monday, March 26, 2025
To register or for more information, call 403-536-6558 or email AdminVC@CaryaCalgary.ca.