Instead of finding its way into the trash, surplus food at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (SOFMC) turned into over a hundred lunches for Victoria's unhoused this past event season.
"Whether guests are coming for a Royals home game or a show like Jelly Roll, they can feel better knowing that the food and beverage outlets they’re enjoying have sustainable food practices,” said Carmen Ingham, executive chef at SOFMC, in a press release.
Research seems to suggest that the average venue event wastes between 15 and 20 per cent of the food it produces, according to Lime Venue Portfolio.
Some of that waste is now reduced at SOFMC, owned and operated by GSL Group's Sports & Entertainment division, thanks to a partnership with The Mustard Seed Street Church during the 2024/25 event and hockey season.
On Aug. 6, they announced the success of their partnership in helping The Mustard Seed feed those in need in Greater Victoria.
"The relationship began ahead of the Our Lady Peace concert on February 24, 2025, through a connection made via La Tablée des Chefs," Matt Cooke, general manager of Eventium Food Services told Victoria News. "The tour was looking for ways to reduce its environmental impact, and donating surplus catering food was one way to achieve that goal.
"Since then, we’ve independently continued the relationship with the Mustard Seed, donating excess food from backstage catering and the Lion’s Den Restaurant whenever possible."
In total, The Mustard Seed gives out 1,511 meals a day, explained Janice James, sponsorship and community relations manager for the organization. "Most recently, with food donated from SOFMC via Chef Carmen, we served 150 lunchtime meals."
Ingham said it's part of SOFMC's mission to contribute to the community that supports it and that the partnership will continue.
"We look forward to continuing this relationship with a vital organization like The Mustard Seed into the next event season.”
