NC’s School of Culinary Arts stepped up to the plate for the community in 2025 by donating more than 5,000 meals to charities across the Niagara region through its trailblazing Feed the Community initiative.
Feed the Community has been going strong within the School of Culinary Arts for almost five years, since it was launched during the Winter 2021 term to help support those in need during the pandemic. The initiative has grown significantly over the years. In 2025, a streamlined system was incorporated, designed to ensure that the fruits of classroom learning find their way to those who are hungry, taking Feed the Community to a new level.
Laura Hull (Academic Experience and Engagement Coordinator for the School of Culinary Arts) helps load donations from the School of Culinary Arts into a truck, bound for a local food bank.
Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Culinary Arts, noted that over the past year, they have donated 5,000 meals through to local charities through Feed the Community, thanks to the new system which ensures that any product made in the classroom finds a home in the community, if not otherwise claimed.
“Our team is so dedicated to help those in need in our community and I am very proud of their efforts,” said Youdale. “We message to our students that the ability to cook and support the health and well-being of those around you in your community is a powerful tool, and a great lesson in social responsibility.”
Beyond the classroom, NC chefs and students regularly volunteer their time for both internal and external events. Most recently, they prepared a festive turkey dinner with all the trimmings for 200 people at Bethesda’s Caregiver Appreciation event.
Community impact
“Thank you for not only putting smiles
on the guests faces but for giving back
to the community one meal at a time.”
-Laura Bernard, YWCA Niagara
Donations from Feed the Community have been well received by charities across Niagara.
Leslie Bernard, YWCA Niagara Region Kitchen Manager, noted that NC’s Culinary division has been donating to the YWCA for some time.
“The meals that we receive are remarkable. Guests always look forward to this donation as it is a culinary delight,” said Bernard.
Through a single donation from NC, Bernard noted they were able to feed guests for four days, including dessert, and even had enough left to share meals with another shelter donation.
“The impact this donation has for the YWCA is astronomical. Donations like this not only help our budgeting but allows staff to have the time to organize and take the time to create meals that we don’t always get time to make,” said Bernard. “The guests always ask where the meals are from and think it’s wonderful that Niagara College donates.”
“Thank you for not only putting smiles on the guests faces but for giving back to the community one meal at a time.”
Mario DeDivitiis, CEO Ronald McDonald House South Central Ontario, applauded the initiative, and noted that the College initiative has made a real difference for families with a child receiving care at the Marotta Family Hospital.
“Thanks to their generosity, our Ronald McDonald Family Room has been able to provide hundreds of to-go meals to parents and caregivers throughout 2025, offering comfort, convenience, and one less thing to worry about during an incredibly stressful time,” said DeDivitiis. “We are incredibly grateful for Niagara College’s continued support of families right inside the hospital.”
Related
On Dec. 17, 90 cakes from the Baking and Pastry Arts Management program were donated to Newark Neighbours, which will help fill holiday hampers for food bank clients. View story here:
Spirit of giving is icing on the cake
