By Anna Black
Do you ever wonder what happens to all those bumped, bruised, or misshapen fruits and vegetables from your local farms and markets? Thanks to Surrey’s social enterprise Luv The Grub, produce seconds are finding a second lease on life, as delicious chutneys and jams rather than food waste, perfect for cheese and charcuterie boards, spread in sandwiches and wraps, or served with meats and sausage.
Founded by social entrepreneur and Simon Fraser University Sustainable Innovation Lecturer Alia Sunderji, Luv the Grub was inspired by student research and Sunderji’s passion for poverty alleviation. The business partners with both farmers and markets to turn normal food waste into a pantry staple and along the way mitigate environmental and socioeconomic issues in the community. Sunderji and her team create paid employment training programs for women with varying barriers to employment, including those from the Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House’s Drive Youth Employment Services. The women gain employable skills, gain confidence, and make new friends as a result.
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House has generously provided an ongoing in-kind donation of commercial kitchen space, allowing the company a suitable production space for their products. The company is also made possible with the support of the impact collective, Seeds of Change Surrey, which focuses on food availability, access, literacy, and addresses the income of disadvantaged populations that may benefit from increased food security. Support from United Way allows Luv the Grub to work on food security issues in Surrey, provide meaningful employment, as well as ongoing education and coaching for Sunderji’s employees.
Luv the Grub comes in a variety of sweet and savory flavors including Carrot Almond Spread, Spiced Pear Walnut Chutney, Dijon Apple Chutney, Blueberry Sage Chutney, and Chai Apple Spread. The products are available for sale locally at:
Nature’s Pickin’s, 1356 Sumas Way, Abbotsford, 604-855-3374
Body Energy Club, 7155 Kingsway Street, Burnaby; 746 Davie Street, 428 Robson Street, 555 West 12th Avenue, 2146 West Broadway, Vancouver
Gardenworks, 4746 Marine Drive and 6250 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby
Fraser Valley Meats, 7481 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, 604-858-4828
Spent Grounds, 108-19140 28 Ave, Surrey, 778-241-0992
A Rocha Gift Shop, 1620 192nd Street, Surrey, 604-541-4823
Harvest Community Foods, 243 Union Street, Vancouver, 604-682-8851
Giving Gifts, 4570 Main Street, Vancouver, 604 871 7780
Second Nature Home, 3565 Commercial Street, Vancouver, 604-655-8872
The Juice Truck, 4236 Main Street, Vancouver, 604-260-6943
Stong’s on Dunbar, 4221 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, 604-266-1401
The Garden Strathcona, 868 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, 604-255-2299
Organic Acres, 3603 Main Street, Vancouver, 604-569-1132
Farmer’s market shoppers can also find Luv the Grub at the Granville Island Public Market (1661 Duranleau St, Vancouver) and Kit’s House Market (2305 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver) on select dates throughout the month of June:
June 21st – Granville Island Public Market – 9 am – 7 pm
June 22nd – Granville Island Public Market – 9 am – 7 pm
June 23rd – Granville Island Public Market – 9 am – 7 pm
June 27th – Kits House Market – 3 pm -7 pm
June 28th – Granville Island Public Market – 9 am – 7 pm
June 29th – Granville Island Public Market – 9 am -7 pm
June 30th – Granville Island Public Market – 9 am – 7 pm
Luv the Grub’s OG’s package, which includes three 266ml varieties- Pear Walnut Chutney, Dijon Apple Chutney, and our Chai Apple Spread – is available for sale online.
Luv The Grub
Surrey, BC
www.luvthegrub.com
Comments are closed.