It was an electric night at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market as the community gathered for the highly anticipated Chefs for Change 2026, in support of kids across Toronto. Marking the second inception of this food-filled event since its launch last year, the evening was a blend of dynamic flavours, heartfelt performances, and incredible generosity, all with a singular mission: helping to ensure that no student in Toronto goes to school hungry.
The end result? A four star success! Guests and generous sponsors helped raise over one million dollars (simply outstanding!) to support student nutrition across our city. In Toronto, where one in four kids is growing up in poverty, these funds help make sure students have the nourishment they need to focus in class, build confidence, and simply enjoy being kids.
The culinary lineup was nothing short of spectacular. Guests moved through stations where top Toronto chefs, including Michelin-starred chefs, reimagined childhood classics with a gourmet twist (including deconstructed peanut butter sandwiches). From the creativity of Alo’s Patrick Kriss and Bar Eugenie’s Rebekah Bruce to the ingenuity of other culinary stars, every bite was a true masterpiece.
The wonderful Afrim Pristine, owner of Toronto’s Cheese Boutique, hosted the evening and kept the energy high from start to finish. One of the night’s standout moments came from the incredibly talented kids from beyond 3:30, our free, after school program. It opened with a beautiful performance of Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up”, followed by a high-energy Somali dance routine, and finished strong with an original rap from a young superstar that hyped up the crowd!
Things heated up onstage during a lighthearted omelette cook-off between Mayor Olivia Chow and Premier Doug Ford. Both Chow and Ford were joined by junior chefs who were winners of our 2025 Junior Chefs Cook-Off. Although each team whisked and seasoned their hearts out, the Premier’s team ultimately won the title of “omelette champions”. It was a playful, high-energy moment on stage, with our Junior Chefs stepping up like seasoned pros alongside the Premier and Mayor.
With great music, excellent food and drinks, and even better company, Chefs for Change was truly a night to remember. To the chefs, sponsors, guests, co-chairs Lauren Levy, Marissa Kassam, and Stacey Kline, and everyone who made Chefs For Change possible: thank you for supporting kids across Toronto. Together, we are building a city where every child has the nourishment they need to build bright futures for themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. That’s the magic of gathering around the same table!
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